Jason checked his phone as he walked towards the Grupo Xiting building, having left Amelia at the entrance of her company. There was a WhatsApp message from Santiago.
"Good morning, sir. Your father has called a meeting at 08:30 A.M. local time."
"I'm on my way in. Come to my office and brief me."
It was highly likely that his father hadn't let things go and had called this meeting to teach him a lesson for his rebellion. It wouldn't be the first time his father dismissed him for refusing an order. That was the origin of his companies, which in turn had led him back into the group.
"Good morning, Mr. Xiting," Thomas said with a bow. "I'm sorry for what happened to the young lady."
"Good morning, Thomas. Amelia will be fine. Thank you for your concern," Jason replied with a smile.
He didn't stop to chat with Thomas; there was urgent business in his office. He took the elevator and stepped inside. Santiago was waiting at the door.
"Good morning. How bad is the situation?"
"According to my investigation, your cousin Jun is arriving today to take charge of the group's branch here."
"He didn't even send someone from the first branch?" Jason asked, receiving a shake of the head in response. "Will you remain loyal to me, or is your loyalty to my family?"
"My loyalty is to you, boss."
"If I am dismissed, activate the nuclear button."
"Boss, that plan…" Santiago started to object, but Jason's look was clear. "Your father will expel you from the family if you carry it out."
"I'll take that risk."
"That plan requires Mrs. Montalbán's support. Can you count on her? If we go through with it, she could take control of the parent group. Your family's combined shares would drop to forty-three percent when the dust settles, Mrs. Montalbán's to thirty-two, and yours to eighteen."
Jason knew the plan well. Those shares were hidden under the control of various companies within both the Montalbán and Jason groups. "The other option is to accept my father's whims, disown my girlfriend, and let him interfere with my businesses."
"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't know Amelia was your girlfriend. When you introduced her yesterday, I thought she was just an intern."
That comment made Jason suspicious. "Did you have anything to do with what happened to Amelia?"
"Not directly, but I didn't introduce her with enough respect. I treated her like an intern."
Jason frowned, his gaze piercing. "That doesn't explain how the news got to the press so quickly. Could someone else within our circle have leaked the information?"
Santiago shook his head, his face reflecting seriousness. "I've thoroughly investigated, but I haven't found any conclusive evidence. However, given the speed and precision of the media attack, I suspect someone with internal access must have collaborated."
Jason leaned against his desk, thinking. The idea of a traitor within his close circle churned his stomach. "You need to double your efforts. Find the culprit, and fast."
"Yes, sir. We won't rest until we find the responsible party," Santiago responded with determination.
Jason nodded, knowing there wasn't a moment to waste. Every passing minute brought him closer to the meeting with his father, and he needed to be prepared for any eventuality. If his father had decided to dismiss him, he had to make sure that Plan B, the "nuclear button," was ready to be activated.
"Santiago, contact Mrs. Montalbán. I need to know if she's willing to collaborate in this plan and, if so, coordinate the details. We can't afford any mistakes."
"Understood, sir. I'll contact her immediately," Santiago replied before quickly leaving the office.
Jason remained alone, looking out the window of his office towards the Grupo Jason building across the street. Amelia was there, facing her own challenges, and he needed to ensure she was protected. The pressure on his shoulders was immense, but he couldn't afford to falter now.
Jason adjusted his tie and turned on his laptop, preparing for the video conference with his father and other top executives of Grupo Xiting. The tension was palpable, and he knew this meeting would be decisive for his future.
The screen lit up, and his father, Mr. Yong Xiting, appeared with a stern, authoritarian expression. Other board members joined the call, their faces serious and expectant.
"Good morning, Father. Board," Jason greeted, trying to maintain his composure.
"Jason," his father began, without bothering with formalities. "We have received concerning reports about your recent decisions, especially regarding Amelia Antúnez."
"My decisions are strategic for the growth of my companies," Jason replied firmly. "Amelia is a competent professional, and her inclusion in my team is key to our long-term objectives."
Mr. Xiting pounded the table with his fist, his face flushing with anger. "That woman is a whore, Jason! A whore who has stained our name and our reputation! How can you be so blind?"
Jason felt a surge of anger but tried to stay calm. "Father, you are meddling in my personal life and my companies. I will not accept your interference in this way."
"Don't speak to me like that, you insolent boy!" his father roared. "I built this empire from nothing, and I won't let some slut destroy it. I demand that you end your relationship with her and fire her immediately."
"My decisions are not open for debate. Amelia is more than competent and is proving her worth," Jason responded in an icy tone. "I won't let you interfere."
Mr. Xiting looked at him with contempt. "If you don't, I'll remove you from your position in the Lantia branch. This is your last chance."
Jason took a deep breath, knowing he was about to cross a line of no return. "If you do that, you will trigger a commercial war with the Montalbán Group and my companies. It's not in your interest."
"A commercial war?" His father laughed, a sound that was bitter and cruel. "You are no longer my son. I disown you and fire you from Grupo Xiting. You are a disgrace to this family."
"So be it," Jason replied with forced calm. "We'll see each other at the next shareholders' meeting."
Mr. Xiting laughed even harder. "What can you do with just five percent of shares? You are insignificant. You are a fool if you think you can challenge me and get away with it."
Jason held his gaze, unflinching. "Don't underestimate what I can do. We'll see each other soon."
The screen went dark, and Jason stared at his reflection on the black monitor. He had lost his position at Grupo Xiting, but not his determination. He knew his father was unaware of how both he and Inmaculada had been acquiring shares, directly or indirectly, and now they controlled exactly fifty percent between the two. With just one more percent, they could take control of Grupo Xiting.
He glanced at the clock and quickly stood up, feeling the urgency to reach his companies. Before leaving his office, he stopped by Santiago's desk.
"Santiago, press the button before I leave," Jason said firmly, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Santiago nodded, aware of the importance of that step. "Yes, sir. I'll do it immediately."
Jason left the office, his mind already focused on the next steps. He knew he had to move quickly and precisely. As he walked towards the exit, his concern for Amelia grew. He needed to reach his companies and make sure everything was in order, but he also had to prepare for the battle ahead.
The fate of Grupo Xiting, his own companies, and his relationship with Amelia were at stake. The impending commercial war would be intense and ruthless, but Jason was determined to fight with all his might.
As Jason left the Grupo Xiting building, his phone began to ring. When he looked at the screen, he saw Nuria Narbona's name. He had been negotiating with her for her recruitment to Grupo Xiting for the past three months, and her call at this precise moment seemed almost ironic.
"Hello, Mrs. Narbona," Jason answered, trying to maintain his composure.
"Hello, Mr. Xiting. I've decided to accept your offer," Nuria said decisively.
Jason felt a mixture of surprise and frustration. He had spent months trying to convince her, and now, just after losing his position at Grupo Xiting, she accepted.
"You caught me at a bad time. I've just been fired from my father's companies, but I can offer you the same contract to work at Energreen Solutions," Jason quickly responded, seeing an opportunity amidst the chaos. "I suppose you don't consider Energreen Solutions to have the same potential, but you'll have my full support and plenty of resources for your new hydrogen storage project."
Nuria paused before responding, her tone now more serious. "Energreen Solutions… I'm looking into it. It's been in the red for years. Are you sure you can guarantee the necessary resources? I don't want to spend my time fighting for resources. I just want to focus on research."
"There won't be any problems. I'll handle finding a capable manager for Energreen Solutions. Now that I no longer have conflicts of interest with my father's companies, I'll prioritize revitalizing Energreen Solutions," Jason assured her, feeling renewed determination.
Nuria seemed to consider his words for a moment before responding. "Alright. I'll be at your office in thirty minutes to sign."
"See you in thirty minutes," Jason said, hanging up the phone.
As he put his phone away, Jason felt a spark of hope. Nuria Narbona's arrival could be a turning point for Energreen Solutions. Despite the recent defeat, this opportunity offered him a new path to prove his worth and that of his companies.
With renewed energy, Jason headed towards the building across the street, ready to face the upcoming challenges. The battle at Grupo Xiting was over, but a new struggle, with the promise of renewal and success, was just beginning.
His mind raced. As he walked, he pulled out his smartphone and began searching for the latest contract proposed to Nuria Narbona. It didn't take long to find it; he had all the documents organized for emergencies like this. Upon reaching the building, he went directly to the Human Resources department.
"Good morning, Mr. Xiting," said the head of Human Resources, standing up from his desk as he saw Jason enter.
"Good morning. I need this contract drafted as soon as possible," Jason said, handing him the digital document with Nuria's proposed contract. "Change 'Grupo Xiting' to 'Grupo Jason' and 'Energreen Solutions.' I want the contract ready on my desk in fifteen minutes."
The head of Human Resources, a middle-aged man with glasses and an air of efficiency, took the document and nodded. "Of course, Mr. Xiting. I'll get to work immediately."
Jason left the office and headed towards the meeting room. The doors were closed, and he could hear the murmur of voices inside. He took a deep breath, adjusted his jacket, and pushed the doors open.
The room was filled with executives who turned their heads in unison to look at him. Isabel stood at the front, next to Amelia, who remained upright and composed despite the visible tension in the atmosphere. Jason immediately noticed the expression on Amelia's face, a mix of determination and nervousness.
"Sorry for the delay," Jason said as he made his way to his seat, trying to maintain his composure despite his racing mind. "Can you catch me up on what I missed?"
Isabel quickly summarized the key points of the meeting, including the proposal to appoint Amelia as the director of Energreen Solutions. Jason listened attentively, evaluating the reactions of the executives around him. He noticed Laura's malicious smile, which seemed to revel in the idea of putting Amelia in a difficult position.
When Isabel finished speaking, Jason took the floor.
"I support the motion to appoint Amelia as the director of Energreen Solutions," he said firmly, looking at each of the executives. "I trust in her abilities and know that she can bring a fresh and innovative perspective to the company."
The executives murmured among themselves, some surprised by Jason's endorsement. Laura, though still smiling, slightly furrowed her brow, as if she hadn't anticipated Jason's strong support.
The vote was held, and with the backing of Jason, Isabel, and Laura's reluctant approval, the proposal was accepted. Amelia would be the new director of Energreen Solutions.
Jason watched Amelia as the vote was confirmed. Although he knew she was worried about the magnitude of the challenge, he also saw a spark of determination in her eyes that reminded him of why he had trusted her in the first place.
When the meeting concluded, Jason stood up and quickly left the room, heading to his office. He needed to finalize the contract for Nuria Narbona and ensure everything was in order for her arrival. The pressure of the impending war with his father and the need to strengthen his own company pushed him forward.
In his office, he found the freshly printed contract on his desk. He reviewed it once more to make sure everything was correct. Nuria's signature would be a crucial step in revitalizing Energreen Solutions, and with Amelia at the helm, he had hope that together they could overcome the obstacles.
With the contract in hand, Jason leaned back in his chair for a moment, reflecting on the day's events. His world was changing rapidly, and the decisions he made in the coming hours would be critical for his future and that of those who depended on him.
He glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time for Nuria's arrival. He stood up, determined to face the challenges ahead with the same resolve he had shown in the meeting. He knew he wasn't alone in this fight, and with the support of people like Amelia and Nuria, he had confidence that they could move forward.
Time passed quickly, and as the hour approached, Jason got up from his chair and walked to the window, looking out at the city. He felt a renewed sense of determination. Despite the recent difficulties, he knew he had the ability and resources to turn this situation into a victory.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," he said, turning to greet his visitor.
The door opened, and Nuria Narbona entered, her expression professional and determined. Jason offered her a smile and extended his hand in greeting.
"Welcome, Nuria. I'm glad you decided to join us," Jason said, feeling a wave of optimism as he shook her hand.
"Thank you, Mr. Xiting. I'm excited to start working at Energreen Solutions," Nuria replied, returning the handshake firmly.
Jason led her to a chair in front of his desk and took a seat.
"Here's the contract. I've made the necessary adjustments to apply to Energreen Solutions under Grupo Jason," he said, handing her the document.
Nuria took the contract and carefully reviewed it. Jason watched as she read each clause, making sure everything was in order. Finally, she looked up and nodded.
"Everything looks perfect. I'm ready to sign," Nuria said, pulling a pen from her purse.
With a sense of triumph, Jason watched her sign the contract. This was the first step towards a new era for Energreen Solutions, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.