She hesitated before speaking. "But, sir, these were carefully chosen by the previous board. Some of these are partnerships with major corporations."
James leaned back in his chair. "That may be, but their choices were reckless. I won't allow this company to sink under the weight of poor decisions."
Nancy nodded slowly, beginning to understand the shift in leadership. "So, what's the next move, sir?"
A small smirk played on James's lips. "I will personally be investing ten million dollars into this company. That will more than cover the loss from these cancelled investments."
Nancy's mouth fell open slightly. "You're investing… ten million dollars? Personally?"
James nodded. "Yes. Consider it a reset. JP Enterprises needs a fresh start, and I intend to give it one."
Nancy stood still, stunned by the weight of his words. This was no longer the James she had heard rumors about. This was a man of power, a man with a vision.
As she gathered the documents and prepared to execute his orders, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. James wasn't just here to lead JP Enterprises he was here to dominate.
"I hope you all see that I keep my promises," Mark announced confidently, raising his glass as the Ray family members murmured among themselves. "Another gift for the family, and all I ask in return is Rita's hand. It's a simple trade, isn't it?"
It was the Ray family fun weekend, and Mark had once again positioned himself as their savior. He had been invited, and as expected, he made sure to make his presence known. The Ray family wasn't happy that the new president had canceled the investment plans, which were against their initial arrangements. They had pinned their hopes on Mark, and once again, he didn't disappoint.
At the end of the evening, Mark handed over another generous gift of cash, sealing his influence within the family. "You all know what needs to be done," he continued, flashing a smug smile. "Rita divorces James, and I'll continue to help the family business thrive."
The murmurs grew louder. The push for divorce within the Ray family gained momentum, and James could feel the weight of humiliation pressing down on him once again. Yet, amidst the pressure and manipulation, Rita remained firm.
"I'm not divorcing James," she declared, her voice unwavering despite the glares she received from her own family. "Not now, not ever."
A heavy silence fell over the room, but James knew this was far from over.
"You! Throw him out!" Mark barked, pointing a commanding finger at James as he entered the gathering. The Ray family fun night was in full swing, and Mark, feeling emboldened by the power he had secured within the family, was eager to humiliate James once and for all.
The private guard, a broad-shouldered man dressed in a sleek black uniform, stepped forward. But as soon as his gaze met James's, his stern expression softened. He hesitated, his posture shifting from aggression to submission. Then, to the shock of everyone present, he bent slightly at the waist and uttered a quiet but firm apology.
"I'm sorry, sir. I cannot do that," the guard said, his voice steady yet respectful.
Mark's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Are you insane? I said, throw him out!" he roared, his face twisting in fury.
The guard, still standing between Mark and James, clenched his fists at his sides. "I work part-time at JP Company. I know who this man is. I cannot lay a hand on him."
A murmur rippled through the room. Helen, Christopher, and the rest of the Ray family exchanged puzzled glances. Why would a mere security guard refuse an order so boldly? What did he mean by knowing James?
Mark's frustration boiled over. He took a threatening step forward. "Then you're fired! Get out!" he spat, his voice thick with rage.
The guard stood his ground, his eyes flicking briefly to James, who remained calm, his expression unreadable. With a respectful nod to James, the guard turned on his heel and exited, his departure leaving an unsettling silence in his wake.
Helen, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned toward Christopher. "What just happened? Why would he refuse Mark's order? What does he know about James that we don't?"
Christopher shook his head, his brow furrowed in confusion. "I have no idea. But that was not just any ordinary security guard. He spoke as if James was someone important."
Susan, who had been quietly observing the scene, finally spoke. "Could it be that James has some hidden power we don't know about?"
Helen scoffed. "Ridiculous! That beggar? He's nothing but a burden!" But despite her words, an uneasy feeling settled in her stomach.
Mark, still seething, turned his glare to James. "Enjoy this moment, you wretch. Soon, you'll have nowhere left to run." He stormed out, leaving a tense and confused silence behind.
James remained where he was, his calm demeanor never wavering. He had stood his ground without even speaking a word, and yet, the Ray family's perception of him was beginning to shift. There were too many unanswered questions. Why did a security guard from JP Company recognize him? Why did he refuse to act against him? And most importantly who was James, really?.
"We can't let this business week slip through our fingers," Helen muttered anxiously, pacing back and forth in the living room. "Christopher, Robert, one of you must represent Ray Enterprises. We need to secure more investments."
Christopher sighed, rubbing his temples. "Helen, we are aware of how important this meeting is. But are you sure you should attend with me? You know these investors expect to meet actual executives."
"I have every right to be there," Helen snapped. "The future of this family business is at stake! If you won't do it, I'll step in to make sure we don't lose more ground."
Meanwhile, across the city, James stepped into the most luxurious boutique, scanning the racks of high-end suits. The store clerk eyed him skeptically, unimpressed by his simple attire. "Sir, are you sure you're in the right place?" the clerk asked with a forced smile.
James smirked. "Yes. Get me the best suit you have."
After a long selection process, he emerged wearing a custom-tailored suit worth a fortune, making even the store owner widen his eyes in disbelief. James checked his reflection in the mirror, adjusting his cuffs. "Perfect," he murmured.
The day of the business meeting arrived, and the grand hall was filled with top executives, investors, and company representatives from across the city. The chatter in the hall buzzed with anticipation as they awaited the arrival of JP Enterprises' new president.
Helen sat rigidly beside Christopher, her fingers tapping nervously on the table. "I wonder who JP Enterprises will send. Their investments have been making waves lately," she whispered.
Before Christopher could respond, a hush fell over the crowd. The doors swung open, and the awaited president stepped in, his presence commanding immediate attention