Chapter 581:

Linsey’s thoughts drifted back to Carol’s birthday party. She remembered Collin rushing to the hospital to take her home—and Dustin leaving with Millie. Had they discussed the new deal that night? She wasn’t sure, but the news filled her with excitement.

CR Corporation was a major player in Grester; partnering with them would be a tremendous boon for Burke Group. Millie had helped her so much that evening, and knowing her family had secured such a significant collaboration made Linsey genuinely happy for her friend.

“Of course it’s true. CR Corporation already made an official announcement. I skimmed through the latest news before calling you,” Dolores said confidently.

Linsey realized she had genuinely been out of the loop.

“There’s more,” Dolores continued. “Scandals exploded right after CR Corporation cut ties with Lawson Group. Regulatory agencies are all over it. It’s only been two days and Lawson Group’s stock has already plummeted.”

Linsey was stunned. “How could this happen to Lawson Group?”

Dolores sighed. “Word is, things went downhill as soon as Jeffery took over as acting CEO. Now all the underlying issues are finally coming to light.”

“I never saw this coming,” Linsey murmured.

Lawson Group might not have been on CR Corporation’s level, but it had always been one of Grester’s top enterprises. How had it unraveled so quickly? Then again, it wasn’t someone else’s fault. The company’s downfall was the result of its own negligence. If they had managed things properly, none of this would have happened. As acting CEO, Jeffery must be going through hell right now.

“With Lawson Group in shambles, other companies in town are benefiting—especially CR Corporation,” Dolores added. “People can’t stop praising CR Corporation and its founder.”

Linsey couldn’t help but smile. “Well, our company is top-notch.”

𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺: ⳑ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⸬𝖼𝗈𝗺

Dolores chuckled. “No wonder the founder ended the partnership. It’s obvious they saw all this coming.”

Linsey had to agree. Whoever was making decisions at CR Corporation must have sensed Lawson Group’s internal problems long ago. By cutting ties early, they avoided unnecessary risks. That also explained why the founder was willing to pay a two-billion penalty to sever the deal immediately.

Only now did Linsey realize that Collin and Dustin’s reassurances that night hadn’t been empty comforts. The corporate world was ruthless, and most employees never saw the hidden battles playing out behind the scenes.

They continued chatting for a while. Then Linsey’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen, her brow knitting in confusion. It was an unfamiliar number.

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