Chapter 708
A month later, Phosphor Group was officially under Aria’s control. Some of the board members who had been loyal to Daniel for years weren’t happy about it.
“Aria, Daniel always treated you well. Now he’s in a coma, and you just swoop in and take over Cole Group?”
“We don’t approve of this.”
Aria raised her brows. “Wait, he’s really in a coma? What, did he get so mad that it knocked him out?”
“Yes, because of you!” They couldn’t hide how furious they were.
“Orlando’s the grandson he chose. That’s got nothing to do with me.” Aria gave them a sharp smile. “If you’re so upset, you’re welcome to leave. I’ll buy out your shares at full market value.”
“You-” They were upset, but no one made a move to leave.
Aria’s tone turned icy. “Then shut it. Cole Group is dead. Phosphor Group is mine now.”
One of the board members tried to play peacemaker. “Come on, Aria’s proven herself. With her in charge, we’re making money without doing a thing. What more do you want?”
Since Aria left, the Cole Group had been falling apart. Without Orlando stepping in, it would’ve been worse. Daniel never cared about mentoring kids from the extended family. He never planned to hand things down.
The Cole family had no one else who could run the place. Another board member scoffed. “She brought in a bunch of big shots from the Stars Group. Don’t pretend she’s not trying to turn Cole Group into one of their branches.”
Aria didn’t deny it. “That’s exactly what I’m doing. You still have the option to walk away. No one’s forcing you to stay.”
A few of them turned red with rage. One asked, “Are our dividends going to shrink?”
“Nope. The better Phosphor Group does, the more you all make.” That shut everyone up real quick. Aria added, “I won’t be around the office much. If anything comes up, talk to Grace.” She’d brought Grace back into the company.
“No objections,” the group responded in unison.
Just as the meeting was wrapping up, the secretary burst through the door. “There’s a problem downstairs!”
Meanwhile, in the front lobby, Elena smacked the receptionist across the face. “Who do you think you are? Trying to stop me?”
The young receptionist held her cheek, tears welling up, but she stood her ground. “I’m sorry, but without an appointment, I can’t let you go upstairs.”
“Do you even know who we are?” Ophelia shrieked, clutching an outdated designer bag. “This company belongs to the Cole family! How dare you block us from entering our own building?”
Elena shouted, “Even Aria treats us with respect when she sees us!”
A young woman from marketing stepped up, unable to stay silent. She stood beside the receptionist and said, “Mrs. Cole, this is Phosphor Group now. This isn’t your company anymore.”
Elena was shaking with rage. She pointed a finger in the woman’s face and snapped, “Who the hell do you think you are? You’re just an employee, and you’re talking to me like that?”
1/2
Chapter 708
The woman fired back with a cold smile. “If Ms. Saxon hadn’t stepped in back then, Cole Group would’ve gone under. You wouldn’t even be allowed in the door right now.”
“She’s right!” Others started chiming in. “Ms. Saxon gave everything to Cole Group, and you people tried to team up with the mistress to steal her shares. Now you show up here like you still have the right?”
“What goes around comes around. The Cole family got exactly what they deserved!”
Getting outplayed by Aria was one thing, but getting lectured by employees was too much. Enraged, Elena threw her handbag at them. “All of you, shut up!”
Chaos broke out instantly. Several staff members rushed over to separate them. “Enough!” A cold voice rang out from the elevator.
