Chapter 428: You Must Give Us An Explanation

“Don’t worry, Ivy. I won’t have you testify about anything unprovable. I just need your help spreading the word about Janessa’s actions since she joined the company,” Madelyn said earnestly.

“Yes, yes. Exactly,” Cheryl agreed, nodding.

She elaborated. “Since Janessa joined, she’s taken matters into her own hands, making all decisions unilaterally and leaving everyone disgruntled. Furthermore, despite our father's grave illness, she hasn't visited him once. On top of that, she dismissed my brother and me. Don't you think that's excessive?”

Her fury intensified. “I believe no one wants a woman like her in charge of such a large company.”

Ivy nodded solemnly. “That is excessive. I’ll publish a news report tomorrow. Consider it a favor.”

“Really? You’re the best, Ivy!”

Madelyn and Cheryl smiled. Jillian shared their happiness. The matter was settled.

The following day, a City Express News report dominated the internet. Janessa, recently in the limelight, was unexpectedly hit with a barrage of scandalous revelations. The report highlighted her recent rise to fame, then launched into a series of mocking statements. One headline read: “The CEO of Sherritt Group gloriously inherited the company, but she’s shockingly an ungrateful daughter behind the scenes!” Another condemned her for happily inheriting her father’s assets while he remained gravely ill, calling her cold-hearted. Yet another speculated she dismissed her siblings to monopolize the company.

The shocking headlines instantly captivated netizens. The report quickly trended. Netizens questioned Janessa's actions. One commented, “I knew it! This woman took the reins so young; she's certainly not decent!” Another questioned her poor character, stating they wouldn’t adhere to a will before their father’s recovery. Another echoed this sentiment, pointing out the speed with which she took over her father's business.

The next comment wondered where she got the nerve for such an outrageous boast. Someone declared, “From now on, I’m definitely not buying Sherritt Group products. Her character alone is enough for me to refuse giving her my money.”

The internet erupted in a frenzy. Netizens expressed disapproval and skepticism.

Meanwhile, at Sherritt Group, Janessa arrived early to a flood of news reports.

“How could this have happened?”

It drove her to the brink of insanity. Everything had seemed fine yesterday. Why was there so much negative press? Who released this news? How despicable!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She wanted to smash her computer.

Just then, her assistant burst into her office.

“Ms. Sherritt, bad news! The shareholders unanimously request your presence in the conference room. Please hurry!”

“A meeting? What are they up to?” Janessa asked warily.

Those cunning old foxes weren’t planning to reprimand her over the news, were they?

“I… I’m not sure, but they’ve asked you to go,” her assistant said, head hung low.

“Fine. Got it,” Janessa replied begrudgingly, her impatience clear.

She went to the conference room. The atmosphere was frigid and solemn. Shareholders and directors sat at a long, dark brown table, their faces stony. The company’s stock prices had plummeted since the news broke, spiraling out of control and signifying significant asset losses. The shareholders, having suffered losses, radiated resentment, waiting for Janessa’s arrival.

The conference room door opened, and Janessa entered, lips pressed together nervously.

Seeing their expressions, she knew a scolding was inevitable. Sure enough, a shareholder immediately began chastising her: “Janessa, you saw the news, right? Aren’t you going to explain?”

“Exactly. Do you know how drastically the company’s stock has fallen?”

“You must explain!”

Janessa was stunned by the condemnation. She opened her mouth, but had no retort.

A female shareholder with glasses said sternly, “Janessa, out of respect for your father, I’ll reluctantly address you as Mr. Sherritt. We shareholders are outsiders and have no right to interfere with your character or how you handle things. But your personal issues now threaten the company! How do you plan to resolve this?”

“That’s true. We must find a solution.”

“If this isn’t resolved, the company’s stock will plummet.”

“If the stock keeps falling, it will be disastrous!”

The shareholders whispered anxiously. They all turned to Janessa.

“Ms. Sherritt, please give us a definitive answer today. Otherwise, we can’t rest easy.”

Faced with the criticism, Janessa was flustered and began to stutter. Everyone’s gaze was intense, as if to burn her alive if she couldn’t provide an explanation.

Finally, Janessa said, “Please rest assured, ladies and gentlemen. I will find a way to resolve this!”

“How?” a shareholder pressed.

“I… I naturally have my way. Please rest assured,” Janessa blurted out.

Though unsure how to proceed, she decided to appease the shareholders first, then figure out her next move.