Chapter 140

Howard's POV

I sat at my desk, deeply focused on reviewing the quarterly financial projections when Susan approached with several file folders tucked under her arm. Her usual efficient demeanor was complemented by a slight smile that told me she had information she was eager to share.

"Mr. Thompson," Susan began as she placed the market intelligence report on my desk, "according to our sources, since terminating our partnership with White's company, eighteen different corporations have approached them, but all have declined to establish any working relationship."

I looked up from my computer screen, giving Susan my ful attention."Reason?" I asked concisely.

"Outdated technology, products failing to meet contemporary market demands," Susan answered directly, her tone matter-of-fact. "Bill White and his father evidently haven't realized their technology has fallen behind industry standards. For years, it was our company's orders sustaining them, not the other way around."

I tapped my fingers lightly against the polished surface of my desk,considering the implications. The White family had operated under the delusion that they were the benefactors in our partnership, when in reality,we had been propping up their increasingly obsolete business model.

"The White family believedthey were the benefactors in our partnership,"I observed. "They neglected the importance of research and development.What's their current financial situation?"

Susan flipped through several pages in her folder before responding.”

Quite dire. They recently invested substantial capital into a joint venture with the Morgan family, attempting to undermine Morgan's company.Now they desperately need funds to upgrade their technology, but they've exhausted their available resources."

I felt a twinge of sympathy for Bill's father. The older man had spent decades building his company, only to see it decline because he followed his son's misguided advice. Now they were facing the consequences of targeting Catherine's family business-a move that had backfired spectacularly.

"Keep monitoring the situation," I instructed Susan. "I anticipate they'll contact us soon."

Susan nodded and exited my office with her characteristic efficiency.As the door closed behind her, I returned my attention to the financial projections, but my mind kept drifting to the White family's predicament.Their situation perfectly illustrated a principle I had observed repeatedly in business: arrogance inevitably precedes a fall. Bill White had believed his family's company was indispensable, and that hubris had led directly to their current troubles.

Less than thirty minutes after Susan left, my prediction materialized. My phone rang, and the screen displayed Mr. White Senior's name.

I answered, maintaining my professionaI demeanor. "Thompson speaking."

"Mr. Thompson," the voice on the other end attempted a casual tone that failed to mask his desperation. "I've been thinking about our companies'relationship over the years. We've built quite a substantial partnership...This sudden termination of our collaboraton has left me feeling somewhat.., unsettled. Perhaps you might reconsider giving us another chance to continue working together?"

I kept my voice calm and professional. "I don't believe this has anything to do with our relationship, Mr. White. It seems more like you attempted to findother partners, and only after being rejected did you remember your long-term collaborator-me."

His voice became more pleading. "Would you still be willing to give me another chance, Mr. Thompson?"

"We signed a contract with a new company yesterday," I informed him,my tone neutral but final.

Through the phone, I could sense Mr. White's defeat settling in. "Then it would be wrong to cancel your arrangement with them for our sake."

"Correct." I replied simply.

"Ill consider other solutions, then," Mr. White said awkwardly before ending the call.

After hanging up, I contemplated the situation for a moment,then decided to contact Mr. Morgan. As Catherine's father, he had been the target of Bill White's scheme, and I wanted to ensure he handled the aftermath appropriately.

I dialed his number, and he answered almost immediately.

"Mr. Thompson?" He sounded surprised to hear from me.

"Are you aware of the White family's current situation?" I asked directly.

"Yes," Mr. Morgan replied. "We discussed this issue previously-you suggested I should return the money he invested in our project, correct?"

"That's right," I confirmed.

"What would happen if I don't return his money?" Mr. Morgan asked cautiously, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

I leaned back in my chair, choosing my words carefully. "The White family would lose some money, but they wouldn't go bankrupt. After a period of recovery, they would inevitably bounce back. For me. the impact would be negligible. Even if relations between us deteriorated, Mr. White would still need to work with me to generate revenue, given our company's scale. But your situation is different."

I continued my explanation, wanting him to fully understand the potential consequences. "Your company is relatively small. Once the White family recovers. they will certainly direct their resentment toward you,launching a large-scale attack against your company. Have you considered how to address this possibility?"

"No." Mr. Morgan admitted honestly.

"In your opinion, could my company withstand that kind of pressure if the situation escalates to that point?" he asked, seeking my assessment.

"The probability is very low," I replied candidly. "Therefore, your best solution is to proactively contact Mr. White. Tell him you're willing to return all the funds heinvested in your company. Help him resolve his current crisis, even though he previously explicitly stated that repayment wasn't necessary,"

Silence filled the line for a moment as Mr. Morgan considered my advice.

"If he's reasonable, he won't trouble you afterward," I continued. "But if he remains unreasonable and persists in targeting you, you can contact me anytime.I'll help."

Hearing my assurance, Mr. Morgan noticeably relaxed. "Alright, I'll follow your suggestion immediately!"

"Good," I responded briefly, concluding the call.

After ending the conversation, I returned to my work, but my thoughts lingered on the situation. Bill White and his father's poor decisions had led to serious consequences-they had not only lost their partnership with our company but were also facing the dual challenges of technological obsolescence and financial shortages.

Meanwhile, Mr. Morgan needed to learn to remain rational in business competitions and not let short-term victories cloud his judgment.

In the business world, every decision creates a chain reaction. Whetherit's the White family's arrogance or Mr. Morgan's satisfaction,everyone must take responsibility for their actions. I believed this experience would provide valuable lessons for all parties involved-especially young Catherine, who would eventually take over her family business.