Chapter: 573

With the domestic market saturated, the choices were to expand internationally or to take on smaller investment projects.

Jonathan supported expanding internationally, arguing that domestic investment companies needed room to breathe and that monopolizing could harm competition.

However, some shareholders questioned why they should reject guaranteed profits.

"Mr, Bates, you have talked about starting a new company locally, but you have just taken over a local investment firm named Goldwald Company. What does this signify?”

Jonathan had anticipated this question and came prepared with a response.

“There is a talented person at Goldwald Company whose skills are valuable to us. Since my headhunter couldn't lure her away, I opted to buy the entire company."

“Talented person?" The shareholders looked at each other.

Buying an entire company for just a few people seemed excessive.

"I used my personal funds for the acquisition, so I didn't consult you beforehand. This move doesn't interfere with our global expansion plans."

With the CEO explaining that he financed the purchase with his own money, no one felt bold enough to challenge him.

“Mr. Bates, could you tell us who this talented person is? And her expertise?" Anyone who captured the CEO's attention must be highly skilled.

"She's an assistant. You don't need to know more. I brought her here because I'm familiar with working with her."

Jonathan's words silenced everyone else in the room.

Who would have the courage to challenge the assistant handpicked by the CEO?

When the meeting wrapped up, Jonathan stood and walked out, followed closely by Brody as they stepped into the CEO's private elevator.

As the doors slid shut, Brody said, “The HR department has already informed Bethany that she can begin her new role."

"Alright," Jonathan said in a calm tone. "She'll likely want to resign.

He had long understood Bethany's temperament.

“True, but with the contract in place, she couldn't resign easily."

When the elevator doors opened, Jonathan stepped out with confident strides. He paused for a moment and looked back at Brody. "Do you think what I'm doing is a little despicable?"

For many years, Jonathan held a high position without ever misusing his power or pressuring anyone. When he wanted Bethany to join Bates Group, he chose to send Brody to mentor her instead of simply placing her in the role.

This was the first instance where Jonathan openly ignored someone's wishes.

Brody, on the other hand, saw it differently. With a smile, he asked, "Mr. Bates, have you ever wondered what you make so much money and wield so much influence for?"

Jonathan raised an eyebrow, urging him to go on.