The True Lady Strikes Back novel (Cecilia and Christopher)

Chapter

32

The money Christopher had paid on behalf of Yates

Corporation to compensate Yancey Corporation had nearly emptied his cash liquidity.

He didn't have enough available funds to buy the herb plantation.

Of course, the money he had forked out would eventually be recovered, but it would take time.

Because those companies that had replaced Yancey Corporation in collaborating with Yates Corporation would need to share their profits with him in the future.

Ending the partnership between Forte Group and Yancey Corporation might have seemed like a costly move on the surface. However, all the future profits would flow directly to Forte Group, and he would recoup his investment in less than three years. Beyond that point, it would be nothing but pure profit.

Cecilia couldn't believe that the richest man in Quilton didn't possess 1 billion dollars.

She asked, "Mr. Christopher Forte, how much have you lost to bring Yancey Corporation down?" Christopher casually replied, "Close to 20 billion dollars.""

Cecilia was speechless.

The world of the rich was beyond her comprehension

"Why?"

A faint smile graced Christopher's lips as he replied, "Ceci, what do you think?"

He was a businessman, driven by profit above all else.

However, some people were more important than profit.

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Cecilia suddenly found herself at a loss for words. Not knowing how to respond, she changed the subject.

"Mr. Christopher Forte, what's the story behind the Elite Auction you mentioned earlier?"

Although she had been in Quilton for three years, her life only revolved around Quilton University and the Yancey residence.

The Yancey family had never taken her to any gatherings or events, which left her with no knowledge of Quilton whatsoever. Christopher briefly explained to her and added, "You're in luck. The monthly Elite Auction is happening tonight at 8 p.m." Cecilia asked, "Are the auction items already listed in the Catalog? Can I add my herb plantation at the last minute?" "Normally, that wouldn't be possible, but I can talk to the auction and have your herb plantation included as a mysterious item.”

"As long as you help me, I'll give you 20% of the transaction price."

Her herb plantation was worth at least 1.2 billion dollars, and it can continue to generate income in the future. Its actual value could reach around 1.4 to 1.6 billion dollars.

If everything went smoothly, she could sell it for at least 1.2 billion dollars.

Hearing Cecilia's polite tone, Christopher suggested, "I don't want a commission, but you need to promise me one request."

Cecilia hesitated.

She didn't have to look for Christopher if she wanted to enter the auction.

But it was almost 6 p.m. now, and time was running out. Finding someone else might not be feasible.

After some hesitation, she replied, "Mr. Christopher Forte,

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please tell me."

Christopher looked at the closed conference room and smiled slightly, "Don't call me Mr. Christopher Forte and Mr. Forte in the future." Cecilia readily agreed, "All right, Christopher."

Although she found just calling his first name a bit odd, she could manage it since Yvette addressed him that way.

Christopher paused for a while.

He wondered in his heart, 'Cecilia makes me feel younger when she calls me that way."

It sure sounds better than the formal address "Mr. Christopher Forte". But why does she sound coquettish?"

"Wait for my message," replied Christopher.

Cecilia didn't know if it was an illusion. She seemed to hear a hint of joy in his words.

She acknowledged with a hum and hung up the phone.

Christopher immediately called the owner of the auction.

"Matthias, help me to add an item for tonight's auction."

Matthias was the son of a mafia boss. Although he operates in the gray area, he has never crossed into illegal activities.

Matthias chuckled. "Oh, could it be that Mr. Christopher Forte was infuriated because of a beauty and decided to empty his pocket and seek to cash in some valuable items with me?" Christopher knew Matthias' mischief and ignored his teasing.

"Will you help or not?"

"Since Mr. Christopher Forte rarely asks me to do something, of course I'll help. Tell me, what do you want to auction?"

"An expensive herb plantation."

Considering that Forte Group's primary industry was pharmaceuticals, Matthias didn't think too much of it.

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"All right. I'll send you a form later. Fill in the specific details, and

come to see me tonight to discuss it in detail."

"Got it."

Sensing that Christopher was about to hang up, Matthias immediately stopped him and asked, "When will we meet your girl?"

Christopher paused for a moment and said, "You can meet her at the auction tonight."

Matthias became curious and his gossip-loving nature ignited.

"You managed to take her down so quickly? You're so awesome, Mr. Christopher Forte!"

"Not really. Just don't say anything strange and scare her tonight."

Christopher hung up the phone after the warning.

Thinking about the auction dress code requirements, he immediately contacted the best styling team in Quilton.

"I've sent you the photos. Get her styled within half an hour."

The styling team required advance appointments, especially when there were high-profile events in Quilton. One had to book well in advance to secure their service.

But Christopher was someone with significant influence, therefore the team leader agreed immediately.

"Sure, Mr. Forte. Do you have a budget?"

"No, just choose the most suitable outfit for her. If you need jewelry, just let me know."

"Okay, I'll pick out the clothes and have you review them later.”

"Sounds good."

After the call, the team leader's heart was beating wildly.

It wasn't because she had any romantic interest in Christopher; it was because she was afraid of him.

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She quickly rescheduled her later appointments and carefully observed Cecilia to select the perfect gown for her. Soon, the gown was decided upon.

Christopher also bought matching jewelry to complement the gown.

Once the gown was sorted, Matthias sent the form across. After forwarding it to Cecilia, Christopher called her.

At that moment, Cecilia was getting ready to leave.

She has researched about the Elite Auction before.

Although she couldn't find any insider information about the event, it was evident that attendees would be dressing formally in gowns and tuxedos. Cecilia didn't have a gown, and there were no high-end gown shops near Quilton University.

She deleted the post of the herb plantation sale online, tidied up, and planned to go out to search for a gown and get styled.

However, just as she was about to leave, she received a call from Christopher.

"Ceci, it's all arranged. However, I need you to provide the specific details of the herb plantation according to the form below for the auction."

Cecilia didn't know if it was an illusion, but his addressing her as "Ceci" sounded unusually intimate to her.

She was somewhat unaccustomed to it and cleared her throat.

"Okay, I'll fill in the information right away. But I might not have time to buy a gown. Can I just wear a more formal business outfit?"

"Don't worry. The styling team will be with you shortly."

Cecilia hadn't expected Christopher to be so thorough and considerate in his actions. A warm feeling welled up within her.

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He was the first person who treated her sincerely after she came to Quilton.

"Thank you, Christopher. I'll treat you to dinner after the auction."

"Okay."

After finishing the call, Cecilia returned to her condominium and filled out the form as required by the auction.

Christopher, on the other hand, went back to the conference room to continue his unfinished meeting.

He took his seat at the head of the table. He tapped on the table with his fingers and spoke in a cold voice, "Those who want to withdraw their shares, raise your hands."

No one dared to raise their hands. After all, Christopher's ability was evident.

Since he took over the company, their annual dividend has not only doubled but also seen significant increases.

The shareholders also believe that Christopher was not someone who would allow himself to suffer a disadvantage. Although Forte Group had paid unnecessary liquidated damages, he would undoubtedly earn double the amount back later. The reason they had convened the board meeting was to pay respect to Fabian as well as to negotiate for more benefits. However, not only did Christopher not fall into their trap, but he also had them in the palm of his hand.

Christopher smiled mockingly seeing that all the shareholders were silent and appeared timid.

"Let me say a few words since no one is willing to withdraw their shares."

The shareholders spoke respectfully, "Mr. Forte, please go ahead."

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"I hope that such incidents will not happen again in the future. If you don't trust me, feel free to approach me for a share withdrawal. You need to understand I'm in charge of Forte Group, and the consequences of provoking me are something you can't bear."

His words frightened the shareholders into silence.

Christopher stood up and continued, "Think carefully about what I've said. The meeting is now adjourned."

After leaving the conference room, he returned to the CEO's office and called Fabian.

Although Fabian didn't attend the shareholder's meeting, he was well-informed about it.

He knew that the shareholders had failed to cause any trouble and were threatened instead.

He also knew that Christopher had called him to find fault against him, therefore, he didn't want to answer. However, considering the absence of any news about William, he reluctantly answered the call.

He interrogated him as soon as he picked up the phone.

"Christopher, where have you taken William? Send him back immediately!"