Chapter 914: A Sitting Duck

When the assistant considered Jack's twelve-billion-dollar investment in Herbscape Group, he found himself speechless. Twelve billion was a staggering sum. Even if Herbscape Group was a liability, retaining it allowed them to track the investment. Abandoning it meant throwing twelve billion away.

"Tell me your plan," Jack urged, frowning.

Jack's voice jolted the assistant back to reality. He steeled himself and continued, "Keeping Herbscape Group will damage Damaris Group's reputation, so..."

Jack raised an eyebrow.

The assistant stammered, "The best course of action is to sever ties with Herbscape Group immediately, ideally before news of their executives' arrests surfaces."

Jack agreed, though the loss stung. Hearing his assistant concur solidified his decision.

"We'll do it," Jack said, waving a hand. "Farwell Group has always shown interest. Inquire if they're still interested."

It was a rhetorical question. Farwell Group's involvement was evident. Their interest was certain, but the acquisition price remained uncertain. Jack's heart ached again, but recouping some of his investment seemed preferable to keeping Herbscape Group. It wouldn't generate profits and might even cause further trouble.

"Mr. Damaris, are we really selling to Farwell Group?" the assistant asked hesitantly. "Aren't we playing right into their hands?"

Jack frowned, dismayed. "What other company would buy Herbscape Group now? Even if they wanted to, they wouldn't dare."

The assistant nodded vigorously. "I'll work on it immediately."

He left. The moment the door closed, Jack swept the documents from his desk to the floor, his face a mask of displeasure.

Meanwhile, Herbscape Group reached the same conclusion. With Damaris Group's support gone, they had no choice but to appeal to Farwell Group.

Unlike Jack, Lucian answered Dean's call immediately. "Mr. Lacroix," Lucian's deep, mocking voice drawled. "What can I do for you?"

Dean shuddered. "Mr. Farwell, you're a magnanimous man. I was foolish to jeopardize our previous contract. Please forgive me."

Lucian's derisive laughter sent a chill down Dean's spine. "Mr. Lacroix, you're seeking my help to clean up your mess because Damaris Group failed you, correct?"

Dean chuckled wryly. "Mr. Farwell, please don't add insult to injury."

Lucian, unwilling to waste more time, said, "Contact Mr. Queen regarding the acquisition. But be aware of the price limitations."

Dean readily agreed. After hanging up, fury consumed him. They were sitting ducks. Lucian's words were a thinly veiled warning against negotiating the price. Dean felt only regret. He wished he'd never let Herbscape Group align with Damaris Group.