Chapter 241:

That night, Elyse struggled to sleep, tossing and turning before finally succumbing to exhaustion. When morning arrived, she rose with a heavy heart, her eyes still clouded with sadness. She was then greeted by a surprising sight: nearly twenty maids stood in formation, flanking her.

After a moment of confusion, Elyse asked, "What's going on?"

"Mrs. Owen, your birthday party is scheduled for today. We are here to assist you with preparations," the lead maid announced, gesturing for the others to gather around Elyse.

It dawned on Elyse that Jayden had promised her a birthday celebration. However, their argument from the previous night dampened her enthusiasm.

"I think we should postpone the preparations. I need to speak with Jayden," she said.

The lead maid nodded understandingly. "He is currently out. I'll notify you when he returns. Please take a bath first."

Elyse, with a clenched jaw, wondered where Jayden had gone.

Meanwhile, Jayden had left home early, heading to Owen Group headquarters. In the chairman's office, Enzo stood by the French window, gazing at the city skyline. Brook and Jayden stood behind him, enveloped in a heavy silence.

After what seemed like an eternity, Enzo spoke, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Bayzee Group has refused to sign the contract. Why wasn't I informed sooner?"

Jayden bowed his head, his silence amplifying the tension. Beads of cold sweat trickled down Brook's forehead. Feeling Enzo's piercing gaze, Brook lowered his head further.

"Bayzee Group has chosen to collaborate with another company whose land has unexpectedly increased in value. Unfortunately, the land we acquired from the Foster family has depreciated before we even invested," Brook explained.

Enzo turned to Jayden. "What do you suggest we do, Jayden?"

Without speaking, Jayden handed Enzo a meticulously prepared file. "I've thoroughly reviewed the land purchase contract. Aside from this land, the terms heavily favor the Foster family, leaving little room for maneuver. It's a difficult situation to reverse."

"Can't you devise a solution?" Enzo asked.

"I have a proposition. Unless Bayzee Group ends its relationship with the Ellis family, our company will incur substantial losses," Jayden stated bluntly.

Brook, at the mention of potential losses, dared not look up. When he'd assumed control of the partnership, he'd vowed to protect the company from financial losses. Reality, however, had fallen far short of his expectations. With clenched teeth, he silently urged himself to remain composed. He had to protect his position.

Supporting himself with a crutch, Enzo approached Jayden, his stare penetrating. "In the past, you never allowed the Owen Group to suffer financial setbacks. What's happening now?"

Unfazed, Jayden responded calmly, "That was in the past. When I was in charge, I prevented such situations. But now, I'm no longer in management."

Jayden's words sent a shiver down Brook's spine. He clenched his fists. Jayden met Enzo's gaze calmly.

Enzo's demeanor softened, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. "Given Brook's mistake, what do you suggest I do?"

Jayden paused, his gaze briefly drifting to Brook, who met his eyes with apprehension. "According to company protocol, I lack the authority to determine Brook's punishment," Jayden replied.

Brook exhaled, though his heart raced in anticipation of the upcoming senior executive meeting, where his fate would be decided. He acknowledged his error had caused significant, though not catastrophic, losses, damaging his reputation. To take over the Owen Group, he couldn't afford more mistakes. His future hinged on flawless performance.

After a pause, Enzo addressed Brook. "Halt all support for the Foster family. Their recent transactions have yielded negligible returns for us while disproportionately benefiting them."

Brook solemnly nodded. "Understood, Grandpa."

"Grandpa, I'm home!" A woman's voice called out.

Debora Owen, Brook's sister, dressed in sleek black sportswear, removed her cap and approached Enzo with a warm smile. "I missed you so much, Grandpa." Adopting a cute demeanor, she approached him.

Enzo's expression softened, a rare smile appearing. "Did you just land?" he asked.

"Yes. I planned to go home to change, but hearing about the company situation, I came straight from the airport." Jokingly admonishing Brook, Debora said, "What's the deal, Brook? How could you mess up like this? Are you ready to face the consequences?" ... ... ...