Laila didn't believe him for a second and said, "Come on, do you think I'm unaware of your recent health report? You're in your sixties, and your body is like someone in their forties. I can't believe you even dare to use the word 'old'!"
Her grandfather hadn't expected that Laila had seen his medical report and his face stiffened, "What do you know? It's precisely because I'm still in good health that I want to hand the company over to you sooner, then take your grandmother and travel. She has always wanted to spend some time in our homeland in the East. It's all because your mother was so disobedient that I had to stay in this position for so long!"
Laila sighed and said, "Grandfather, you know my passion is in the film industry. You should leave those businesses to William."
"Rubbish! How old is he now? If I wait for him to take over my position, I'll be in my coffin already!" Laila's grandfather retorted with a huff. "Even when he grows up, this position should go to you. You are the best candidate for our Moran family. Only when it's in your hands can the companies I've built continue to flourish!"
"You think very highly of me," Laila wryly smiled, realizing that perhaps her surname "Moran" or her brother's connection to Quentin had something to do with it. She thought it over and it didn't seem so far-fetched.
"Can't we just find a proxy? Offer some shares, and there will always be people willing to work for the company's benefit."
Aren't these "work emperors" often referred to as such in the future? Some people are good at maintaining the status quo, while others are adept at innovation. There should be suitable candidates for different roles within the company.
Laila's grandfather glared at her, visibly upset, "Is it the same thing? Even if some tasks can be delegated, there still needs to be someone overseeing things. Do you want to watch our Moran family's enterprises be taken over by outsiders?"
Laila chuckled softly. It seemed her grandfather had been influenced by her grandmother's way of thinking and had embraced some Eastern philosophies.
"We can talk about all this later. I have something else I need your help with."
Her grandfather, still a bit annoyed at being brushed off, gave in and asked, "What is it?"
"I want to shoot a movie in Saudi Arabia, and I hope you can make direct contact with the royal family over there."
Laila's words caused her grandfather's brows to furrow. It reminded him of the incident that almost drove him to madness. "You nearly died there last time. Why do you want to go back?"
"The truth of that incident, as you are aware, is not what it seems. The movie I'm shooting requires a desert setting, and the environment there is perfect for it. Directly dealing with the royal family will also provide us with added security. Don't forget, they would go to great lengths to ensure our safety if something happened, just as they did before."
Laila made a valid point, but her grandfather was still somewhat concerned. He had initially approved of her trip last time, believing that things would be fine even in that tense situation and that her safety would be ensured. However, the incident occurred, and if anything had happened to Laila, he wouldn't know how to face his beloved daughter.
"If you truly want to go, then go." After briefly closing his eyes, her grandfather finally made a decision.
Children grow up, and they should have the right to spread their wings. Whether they soar into the sky or fall into the ocean is their own destiny.
"Thank you, grandfather," Laila said as she hugged him gently. She knew that her grandfather was concerned about every family member. This heavy, unconditional love was something she cherished the most.
Earlier, when she rejected her grandfather's proposal, it was because she sensed that he was merely nagging out of habit. However, she would still be willing to take over the Moran Group if he truly wanted to step down one day, even if it meant sacrificing her dream of being a director. But looking at her grandfather's current state, he was perfectly fine and could likely continue for another decade or two. By that time, she would have accomplished everything she wanted in the film industry, and taking over the business wouldn't be too late.
Back in Hollywood, Laila had finished filming "Chicago" and started preparations for "Iron Man."
However, as soon as she returned to the company, Robert Downey Jr. was waiting outside her office.
When Laila saw him, her eyes darkened slightly.
"Laila, I'd like to talk to you," Robert approached her.
Laila didn't invite him into her office, but rather looked at him and asked, "Are you sure you want to talk to me?"
Robert sensed an underlying meaning in her eyes. The words he had been wrestling with over the past few days suddenly seemed to get stuck again. He had a feeling that if he said what was on his mind, he might lose something incredibly important.
"Well, maybe not..." He lowered his head, turned around, and left in a hurry.
Laila watched his retreating figure and then lightly chuckled before opening the office door.
Demi, who had been waiting outside and observed their interaction, looked puzzled and then picked up a stack of documents and followed her boss into the office.
"BOSS, there are some documents that require your signature."
Laila, still looking at the papers, noticed her secretary fidgeting as if trying to find the right words.
"Just say what's on your mind; that way, you won't have to keep worrying. I'm getting impatient for your sake." Laila glanced at her.
"BOSS, do you know what Mr. Downey wanted to talk to you about? It's because of that conversation, right?" Demi thought this was the most plausible explanation, or why would Mr. Downey have waited in the office for so long? However, she couldn't understand why Mr. Downey left as soon as he received a single response from the boss. If she could figure out what Mr. Downey wanted to say, wouldn't that mean she was getting closer to her boss?
As Laila signed the documents, she finally raised her head and said, "Yes, I know what he wanted to talk about."
"Then why didn't you let him speak?"
"Some things can't be said. Once they are, they may ruin a person. I've invested so much energy and trust; it wasn't to nurture a wreck." Laila's words carried weight, leaving Demi trembling with fear. She didn't understand what Mr. Downey wanted to say or do. Although many people at the company secretly thought he was already a wreck if the boss believed he still had value, why did she sign him?
Demi was at a loss as she tried to figure out what Mr. Downey wanted to say. The boss hadn't explained anything to her. If she could deduce what it was, would she be closer to the boss?