Chapter 95
When Stephen, dressed in a sharp suit appeared at the sales office, everyone froze.
The startled employees hurriedly stood up, their hands and feet awkwardly trying to find something to do.
Although they all lived in Lasville, some people were simply beyond their reach, and Stephen was one of them. After becoming an adult, he was mostly seen in celebrity tabloids or on the covers of financial magazines.
Back then, he had been the youngest president of the Murray Group, a position he took over despite strong opposition from many of the Murray Group’s shareholders. It was only because of Robert’s firm support that Stephen was pushed into the role.
y was in turmoil, and many were unconvinced of his abilities. To make matters worse, an economic crisis hit soon after,
When he first took charge, the company w further destabilizing the situation.
The shareholders feared the young Stephen would lead them to ruin and quickly sold off their shares in the Murray Group, desperate to avoid bankruptcy.
During that time, the Murray Group became a target for criticism and speculation. Robert often spent sleepless nights in the study with Stephen. Meanwhile, Layla continued to live as the innocent, headstrong princess she had always been. She was arrogant at school, domineering at home, and willful to the public
Neither Stephen nor Robert ever revealed their worries to Layla whom they had always protected.
Eventually, the two made a bold decision to buy back the shares from other shareholders and make themselves the largest and majority stakeholders in the company
What many had expected to be the downfall of the Murray Group tumed into its revival, Under Stephen’s leadership, Murray Group gradually stabilized and even thrived while other companies declared bankruptcy one after another during the financial crisis.
Murray Group, however, stood firm through the storm and emerged as the nation’s wealthiest enterprise after the crisis ended.
Robert’s decisive action almost made him the sole owner of the company with over 90% of the shares in his hand. From that point on, any decision could be made with just his approval.
After that, Stephen’s reputation in Somersia skyrocketed, solidifying his place as a business titan both domestically and intemationally. His success was widely acknowledged and respected, except by one person who never took him seriously–Layla.
When Layla walked into the sales office behind Stephen, she appeared in the eyes of the staff like a pampered wife.
Nervous, Benson handed over the car keys to Stephen “Mr. Yates, there are Ms. Murray’s car keys.”
“Why are you giving him my car keys?” Layla snapped and snatched the keys from Benson’s hand.
She shot a glare at Stephan and walked past him, grumbling, “Just leave already. You’re so annoying.”
Stephen glanced around, and Sally stepped forward. “Mr. Yates, I’m Sally Brown, the newly appointed manager.”
Stephen nodded, his attention briefly shifting to Layla, who had stubbornly seated herself on the couch and refused to look at him. He gave instructions to Sally in front of everyone, “There are two things to keep in mind.
“First, Layla’s identity is not to be mentioned. Second, pay close attention to her diet. Don’t let her waste the rest of the food after taking a few bites.”
Layla shot up from the couch, seething. “Stephen, are you out of your mind?”
The lobby fell so silent that even the drop of a pin could be heard.
“You have a weak stomach. If you keep eating carelessly, I’ll have the manager of The Layla Palate personally deliver your meals.”
Layla marched over to him and pushed against his chest like a pouting wife throwing a tantrum. She tried to shoo him away. “Just leave already! I’ll eat whatever I want and as much as i want.”
Stephen gently took her small hands in his and backed up a few steps. His gaze was soft when he looked at her and said, “If you don’t take better care of your stomach, I’ll have to enforce my orders.”
“You’re so annoying! All you do is boss me around. Go back to work already.”
After pushing Stephen out of the sales office, they exchanged a few more words at the door before Layla turned around and re–entered the lobby.
