Chapter 735

"What about the budget?" Joseph frowned. "Didn't we allocate a considerable amount for you?"

"We did," Damian replied, "but hiring the perfumer cost a lot. As you know, top perfumers are expensive, so the budget is a bit tight in other areas."

Joseph flipped to the expenditure report, furrowed his brow, and stared at the numbers, upset. "Didn't I tell you not to overspend, even with a considerable budget? Why have you overspent so much? What kind of top perfumer did you hire? The fee was ridiculously high! Were you ripped off?" He poked the report with dismay.

"No!" Damian waved his hand and hurriedly explained, "I hired a top international perfumer through a connection. We've already launched the promotion. Google the perfumer—you'll see how famous they are!"

He scurried to the computer, bent over, and typed. "Look, William has won several international awards and is a noted authority on perfumery. We can verify this online. Besides, I've already tried the perfume, and it's excellent. Trust me, Dad, we'll succeed. The money was well-spent."

Joseph read the online introduction, hesitated, and stroked his chin. He didn't know much about perfumery. He raised his head. "What did your sister say about this?"

"She fully supports me. She thinks it's a great idea and that I've done well," Damian responded quickly.

Joseph cocked his head, considering the situation. Since Damian had already spent the money, they could only proceed. He nodded. "All right. Do it. If you run short of money, I'll ask the financial department for more. But remember! The money must be well-spent. As long as it's worthwhile, proceed. Just don't become like your mother!"

He was still upset about the ten million dollars—ten million his dollars. Fortunately, he'd cleverly claimed it was a gift for Eloise, saving face and protecting the company's image and stability. Otherwise, it would have been a ridiculous waste.

Damian smiled. He knew about his mother's auction escapade. After the business discussion, he'd intended to mention it, but his father brought it up first.

"Dad, Mom just wanted a gift from you. You know, all these years…"

"What? That she's suffered? That it hasn't been easy for her? Has she starved? Had no clothes?" Elizabeth's nagging had conditioned his response.

"Yes, I can't make her my official wife, and it's been unfair, but I'm trying to make it up to her and you. Since you were young, Mom hasn't had to work or worry about money. From kindergarten to university, I paid for everything. Now, I'm gradually involving you in the company so you can take over someday. Tell me, what is she not satisfied with?!"

Joseph roared, and Damian remained silent.

"We agreed on six million dollars, yet she bid ten million at the auction. Does she think money grows on trees? She blamed me for giving the necklace to Eloise, but could I have told the reporters I was divorcing her? What about the Tanner Corporation? The share price? Would the company veterans have attacked me? Has your mother thought about any of this?!"