Chapter 583: Go for the Site

Manuel rushed into Edward's office, having learned from Edward's secretary about the unfolding situation. Outside the largest Phillips Bank branch in Kensbury, depositors protested, holding a banner accusing the bank of illegally profiting from their deposits while withholding bonuses. The incident had attracted media attention and spread rapidly.

Edward was furious. This significantly worsened Phillips Bank's precarious position. Losing the trust of domestic depositors would pave the way for Sway's entry into Northfield. Edward had just declared his intention to defeat Sway decisively in their first encounter, crucial for preventing Sway's expansion. Now, Phillips Bank was undermining itself.

Manuel checked the news on his phone, staying abreast of the developing situation. The escalating unrest placed the bank in an increasingly difficult position.

"Who was in charge of this project?" Manuel asked. The solution, he knew, lay in finding the source of the problem.

"I can't oversee every project," Edward replied. "For those deemed unnecessary, I delegate to staff, assuming everything proceeds smoothly."

Consequently, they had no idea who managed the project, much less the accuracy of the accusations. Manuel, calmer than Edward, stated, "Let's investigate. We must resolve this quickly; it's damaging the bank's reputation. Sway exploiting this could be fatal."

Edward's fury and anxiety were understandable. His secretary launched a quick investigation, revealing that Terrance Wood in the marketing department was responsible.

Terrance was summoned. Visibly frightened, he immediately produced the relevant documents and reviewed them thoroughly. After repeated checks, they found no irregularities; the accusations of illegal activity were baseless.

Manuel, frowning, pondered the motive. Why was a two-year-old project being targeted now?

"What's wrong with them?" Edward demanded angrily. "Didn't we fulfill our contract? How could this happen?"

"They're being used," Manuel concluded.

Edward stared.

"Especially now," Manuel continued, "the worse our reputation, the easier Sway's takeover becomes."

"But it's fabricated."

"Even if we debunk the rumors, public doubt may linger. The impact of public opinion is unpredictable—precisely what our competitor wants."

"An international bank! Using such underhanded tactics?" Edward exclaimed incredulously.

"We don't know they did it," Manuel replied pointedly.

Edward looked at Manuel expectantly.

Manuel explained, "It's unlikely Sway has access to such detailed operational information. A small deposit project—how would they know? How would they identify our depositors, given our client privacy protections? And how could they pinpoint the supposed flaw so quickly and incite client anger? The problem must originate within the bank. We have a traitor."

Edward's fury intensified. Slamming his fist on the desk, he roared, "Who's the traitor? I'll find them and deal with them!"

Manuel remained silent, unwilling to accuse anyone without proof.

"What now? Can we find the traitor?" Edward asked.

"Remember our morning conversation? I mentioned two possible reasons for Sway's Northfield move: marketing competition or a deliberate plot. Now, the latter seems more likely."

"So someone inside is colluding with Sway to steal our market?" Edward asked, his composure wavering.

"Possible."

"Damn it!" Edward cursed.

Manuel, observing Edward's outburst, understood the source of his frequent swearing.

"Who is it?" Edward demanded.

"We'll find out," Manuel said, his voice steadier than Edward's. "First, we need to quell this current chaos. I'm going to the protest site."

"All right."

Manuel left immediately, calling his secretary to arrange transport. Returning to his office for his computer, he realized it was in the meeting room. Turning back, he saw Susan entering with his computer.

Susan was furious at being left in the meeting room, humiliated before others. But Manuel, having no time for her anger, coldly instructed, "Bring my laptop." He strode out, leaving without asking her consent.

Susan, speechless, cursed his disrespect. How could he simply order her without asking? She followed, panting heavily by the time she reached Manuel's company car, having cursed him repeatedly.

"Next time, take the co-pilot seat," Manuel instructed coldly.