Chapter 127 Office Politics
Jonathan took a sip of water and said indifferently.
“Let’s continue.”
The shareholders looked at each other and did not speak.
Jonathan first addressed the shareholder who was trying to make trouble for him and his lackey.
“Mr. Cox, you seem to have doubts about my ability to manage the company. And you too, Mr. Windt.”
Mr. Cox was embarrassed at being called out like that. Apart from Mr. Windt and another small shareholder, all the rest had supported Jonathan.
He could not stand on his own against Jonathan. He could only muddle though as he was being put on the spot.
“President Smith, we do not doubt your ability as we have seen first-hand how capable you are over the last decade. But the rumors are indeed not good for the company.”
Mr. Windt echoed his words as he said, “Yes, President. We were just concerned about the ongoing rumors. Hardly a day has gone by without scandal since we signed up with L&L Designs.”
Mr. Cox supported him, “yes, we, as shareholders, only want an explanation.”
Another shareholder was indignant and echoed, “We, as shareholders, should support him in trying times rather than make trouble. Besides as long as the rumors are false, this will all be free publicity by the end. And I am sure none here doubt Jonathan’s character.”
Being an older shareholder, he treated Jonathan rather kindly having seen him grow up over the years.
He was not going to let some minor shareholder boss around them for trivialities by calling impromptu meetings out of nowhere.
“Mr. Winston, we were only asking for an explanation. Surely, that is allowed.”
Mr. Cox was indignant for being told off like that in front of everyone and retorted coldly.
Jonathan finally spoke.
“Mr. Cox, no one is allowed to question my private life. Surely you have seen the several lawyers’ letters sent to several people since the scandal began. Unless you were looking only for selective news which might create trouble, which I am sure you are not.
Mr. Windt, after 10 years of working together during which the stock price has increased by 5x and so has your dividend, if you and Mr. Cox have that little faith in me or the company, you are free to sell your stocks to me. I assure you, you will get 20% more than the current price.
Mr. Winston, Thank you for your trust. This will be sorted in due time, but for personal reasons, I am going to let it linger for a while.
Mr. Jason, you are right about vetting the partners. Vincent is already working on it and we have most things sorted.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.
And, no, unless the employees start gossiping or do something to harm the company, they won’t be fired. It’s within their right to jump ship to save themselves and their family when things look dire.”
He gave a few seconds to everyone to absorb things and asked.
“Anything else?”
The shareholders shook their heads.
Jonathan stood up as he said, “Lastly, don’t call meetings for trivialities as we are all busy.”
Mr. Cox and Mr. Windt were left too embarrassed to say anything.
Mr. Cox owned 7% of the shares of Smith Group and was one of the major shareholders, yet the arrogant CEO had shown him no respect.
He internally swore to teach him a lesson and drive his ego down a few notches. Just because he was capable did not mean he could disrespect others like that.
Mr. Cox knew the best way to make Jonathan a little humble was to have support enough to scare him. And the best way to do that was to take the help of the mystery shareholder who held 15% of Smith Group shares.
With that in mind, he huffed and left, hell-bent on acquiring more shares of Smith Group and extending his reach.