Chapter 174: Kill a Person, Strike at the Heart
Throughout the night, Maggie earnestly discussed possible responses with the Cameron family. Consequently, Ronald invited the Cameron Group's principal investors to a nocturnal gathering at his residence. That evening, the Camerons displayed considerable energy. Dawn arrived sooner than expected.
No viable solutions emerged, not from a lack of creative thinking the previous night, but because every strategy seemed insufficient to halt their ongoing downturn and dilemma. As the old adage goes, "Hit where it hurts." Their adversaries had adeptly identified the Camerons' vulnerabilities, effectively eliminating most avenues for recourse.
Both Master and Madam Cameron were dealing with age-related health issues, yet the urgency of projects worth tens or even hundreds of billions prevented them from resting. Noah's usually jovial face wore a trace of sorrow; his expression was taut. Mary's feelings had evolved from initial irritation and fury to despair. Ronald had sternly criticized Joseph, leaving him feeling as though he'd been hit by an icy gust, rendering his propositions ineffective. Meanwhile, Maggie feigned investment; her sensible recommendations failed to significantly impact the grim scenario.
At that moment, an investor, alerted by his phone, stood from the couch. "Bad news," he announced. "Last night's incident is spreading like wildfire online, drawing a barrage of critical comments. Prominent internet personalities and official accounts are broadcasting the news, casting us in a severely negative light. Public sentiment is massively against us."
Ronald's expression darkened. “What's the situation with the PR team? Weren't they tasked with managing this crisis immediately, overnight? And Joseph, didn't I direct you to engage with the press to quell the spread of the news?”
Noah shook his head. "Despite their round-the-clock work, the public isn't convinced. We're facing overwhelming negative sentiment, and our attempts to counter it are falling flat."
Joseph responded icily, "I've reached out to numerous media outlets, only to be met with silence or dismissal. Those who responded argued the incident had stirred too much uproar, believing the truth would come to light on its own. No one's willing to keep quiet."
Maggie, scanning her phone with a furrowed brow, added, "Even the official website has issued a harsh criticism of the Camerons' actions and delivered a severe condemnation."
Ronald sank deeper into the sofa, his expression one of utter dismay. The loss of trustworthiness heralded a potential collapse of Luster Corporation.
The scandal also brought the Adams' lawsuit into the spotlight. Consequently, numerous internet personalities and influencers purchased similar items from both companies at premium prices for detailed comparison. The verdict was unanimous: the Adams' jewelry showcased superior craftsmanship and elegance, while the Camerons' offerings were inconsistent and of lower quality. Some conducted exhaustive comparisons of the operational, execution, and customer service approaches of both entities. The findings highlighted the disarray within the Camerons' operations, including pricing inconsistencies and haphazard initiatives. In contrast, the Adams were praised for their organized, scientific, and dependable management and customer service.
Maggie understood Ericko had taken action. Despite the Adams' ethical practices and potential to rank among the top luxury brands for years, they were undeniably a force to be reckoned with. This development seemed to completely eclipse the Camerons.
Noah reported, with a concerned look, "Designers are now openly blogging, uniting in a boycott against the Camerons, and some have even begun sharing what you said yesterday." He paused, glancing at Ronald, who looked completely taken aback. While targeting these designers' weaknesses or personal matters might have been permissible, the broader implications and fallout from the scandal's spread were another matter entirely. Ronald was overwhelmed with frustration, recognizing the calamity stemmed from his own actions, leaving him no room to fault anyone else.
"The Adams are staging an event!" Olivia announced urgently, having come across the news.
"What event?" Ronald inquired, managing to quell the bitterness in his throat, his voice deep and steady.
Olivia promptly accessed the official Adam Group Twitter account. A photograph of Ericko immediately drew their gaze. He presented himself with a gentle and elegant demeanor, vibrant and poised, radiating sophistication and mildness. Yet, the photograph was merely a backdrop to the crucial message conveyed in the Weibo post: To conclude the year, the Adams have unveiled a special promotion: any customer purchasing jewelry from the Adam Group will receive a complimentary thermos cup with Madagie's signature. This is for those who have experienced heartbreak after purchasing from a certain company."
Maggie could barely suppress a chuckle at the black and white thermos cup with Ericko's signature. She had endorsed Ericko's proposal when he initially presented it, recognizing it as an ingenious tactic to boost Madagie's visibility and pave the way for future endeavors. Indeed, one should capitalize on every opportunity! Leveraging the Camerons' downfall as a stepping stone for their ascent, it was imperative to exploit every possible advantage and maximize the gains. However, the sight of Ericko posing with the thermos cup still elicited laughter from Maggie. Despite the familial connection, Ericko's manner imparted an air of earnest, albeit adorable, officialdom.
Gathering her thoughts, Maggie turned toward Ronald, who was visibly struggling to suppress his rage, and sharply criticized, "The Adams have crossed the line! Their actions are downright spiteful!" Indeed, their tactics were diabolical. Offering solace in times of adversity was one thing, but the manner in which it was executed felt inherently malevolent, even to Maggie. "The Adams will face consequences for their actions one day! Ronald, your thoughts?" Master Cameron's fury was palpable, his voice quivering with anger.
As Ronald prepared to respond, an unexpected turn of events occurred. He suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed, losing consciousness. Maggie was momentarily taken aback, having never witnessed Ronald react with such intensity. Yet, it was understandable—such actions were heart-wrenchingly cruel. Resolved to mark the occasion, she planned for Lucas to procure firecrackers for a proper celebration. It was clear to her: Luster Corporation's downfall was sealed. Despite her inward satisfaction, Maggie knew she had to maintain her façade. The more time she spent with the Camerons, the more opportunities she would have to ensure their undoing. Thus, she fully intended to exploit her position. Rushing forward with a look of concern, Maggie feigned anxiety. After a brief moment of hesitation, the others rallied to her side. "Ronald, are you okay?" "Dad!" "Honey!" "Sir? Sir!"
Seizing the moment amidst the pandemonium, Maggie whipped out her phone, swiftly dialed emergency services, and, under the cover of the ensuing turmoil, messaged Leo to inform the media. The abrupt health crisis of the Cameron Group's chairman, necessitating immediate hospitalization, presented a too-good-to-miss publicity opportunity.