Chapter 139: A Power Play Begins
“That’s why it’s worrying. Henry used to pretend in front of me, but now he’s back to his original identity,” Wendy said.
Chase tried to calm her. “Don’t overthink it. Even if the Moses Group wants to enter Oshary, it will take time. While Henry is still abroad, we need to solidify our base. The Quinn Group is stable, as is the Fred family. All that’s left is Cloud Hospital and Typhoon Corp. That gives us the window we need.”
“You’re right. That’s the only way to look at it.”
Typhoon Corp.’s grand opening banquet was scheduled for five days later. The tailor had already delivered Chase’s suit, which Melody carefully tucked away. Wendy’s dress was custom-made and supplied exclusively by the Quinn Group’s fashion label. The building was completely renovated. Departments were up and running, but the CEO and vice president had yet to officially assume their roles.
“The Meyer family is fighting again,” Wendy told Chase. “They say Mario has too much control and want Caesar to take back some shares. It’s been going on for days.”
Chase looked at Wendy as she removed her makeup, clearly intrigued. “But Caesar has full control. What can they even do?”
“They worry about public perception,” Wendy replied. “The Meyer family is a large household, much like the Freds. It’s impossible to manage every member, but they try to keep things in check. I think you should support them this time.”
Wendy, her hair pinned up, drops of water still on her face, looked at Chase. “Cloud Hospital is going public. Typhoon Corp. has always been a top brand in paper media. Go with Melody and secure a partnership. Lend Mario some support. This has to be done before the opening banquet to avoid disrupting the event.”
“Got it. If you say so, I’ll do it,” Chase said.
This time, Wendy wasn’t asking for herself; she wanted Chase to make a name for himself in the business world. She explained, “Cloud Hospital going public with only the Quinn Group behind it isn’t convincing enough. People need to see the connection between Typhoon Corp and Cloud Hospital. You, as Mr. Goodman, need to step up.”
Chase still wasn’t used to this kind of business maneuvering, but he trusted Wendy completely. The next day, he took Melody to the Meyer family’s main house.
The house was in chaos, though Mario and Caesar seemed unconcerned, the constant bickering of the others barely registering. The butler, Jack, announced, “Mr. Goodman, chairman of Cloud Hospital, is here.”
Neither Caesar nor Mario had been informed beforehand. They exchanged glances. Mario simply said, “Let him in.”
The bystanders thought Jack wouldn’t obey, but when Mario spoke, Jack turned respectfully and greeted the guests. An uncle of Caesar’s questioned Chase’s unannounced arrival, prompting a sharp retort from Caesar: “I am the head of the Meyer family. The butler answers to me. Peter is my lover. If he doesn’t listen to him, should he obey you instead?”
“You little brat! I am your uncle. How dare you speak to me like that?”
Caesar leaned back on the couch with a weak smile. “Uncle? You mean the one who took my inheritance after my parents died and shipped me overseas to fend for myself? Forgive me if I’m not too respectful.”
Everyone in the room, having previously tried to manipulate Caesar, remained silent.
“This way, please,” Jack said, leading the guests inside.
Chase entered and immediately saw the heated scene. Melody followed, carrying gifts. Caesar and Mario sat on the sofa, completely unfazed. No one dared approach; older family members sat on nearby couches while younger ones stood in the back, forming a loose circle.
The uncle turned when Chase and Melody entered. Not recognizing them, he assumed they were unimportant. “You two, we’re in the middle of a family meeting. Please leave.”
Chase didn’t mind the rudeness; he simply gave a polite smile. Melody stepped forward. “This is Mr. Goodman, the president of Cloud Hospital. I’m his assistant, Melody. We have arranged to meet Mr. Peter here to discuss a business partnership. Is our timing off?”
Mario, jolted, quickly understood Chase’s strategy. He exchanged a glance with Caesar, who nodded slightly.
“You’re early,” Mario said softly. “Let’s get something to eat after this. Jack, book a table at The Vine. Chase likes Western food.”