Meanwhile, Jeremy's head throbbed from the impact of kowtowing, leaving him dizzy. Amidst the disorientation, Kingsley's voice cut through, offering him a way out of impending doom. Then, he lifted his head and exclaimed excitedly, "Of course. Yes, Mr. Nicholson, please show me a way out!"
Kingsley's lips curled into a sly smirk as he replied nonchalantly, "It's simple. I just told Aunt Chermaine that the one who insulted her was the chairman of Forward Vision Group. All you need to do is relinquish your position as chairman, and you'll be free, right? Besides, there's always the possibility that the Jeremy Windsor she's after is a mere namesake. I doubt she'd go to the ends of the earth to track you down."
Jeremy was stunned upon hearing this, and the gravity of the situation began to sink in. Did he just propose that I step down as the company's chairman? Isn't this the same as giving up my power and influence? An internal struggle raged within him as he pondered this proposition. "Well..." he mumbled, his gaze flickering uncertainly, torn between the desire to cling to his position and the fear of the alternative.
Suddenly, Cameron's voice broke the silence, imploring, "Mr. Windsor, the Forward Vision Group is a ticking time bomb. Holding onto it would be self-destructive. Moreover, finding someone to take over your company would be near impossible. Do you not grasp Mr. Nicholson's underlying message?"
Jeremy understood the implications all too well, and Kingsley wanted him to hand over Forward Vision Group, albeit indirectly. However, he was reluctant to give up the company he had dedicated his life to managing.
While observing the emotions playing across Jeremy's face, Kingsley shrugged dismissively. "Well, if you value wealth more than your life, Mr. Windsor, I suppose my suggestion is moot. In any case, Aunt Chermaine possesses a forgiving temperament. She might even offer you and your family a swift and painless death."
With those words, he diverted his attention away from Jeremy, fixing his gaze upon Freddie, who sat forlornly on the floor. "Mr. Morgan, upon your return to Seavale, Aunt Chermaine expressed her interest in dealing with you. My involvement ends here. You're free to leave."
"No... No..." Freddie's face drained of color as panic gripped him. He crawled over to Kingsley's feet, clutching his pants and sobbing in distress. "Mr. Nicholson, please, just end my life. I can't bear the thought of facing Miss Chermaine's wrath upon my return."
"End your life?" Kingsley responded with a hint of ambiguity. "Aunt Chermaine only mentioned 'deal with you,' not 'kill you.' Your prospects are considerably brighter than Mr. Windsor's. Why are you so afraid?"
Freddie's expression twisted with terror, his body trembling. In a quivering voice, he explained, "You... You should have known that amidst the Tanner siblings, the two young masters represent starkly different personas. One is the designated noble heir, inclined to avoid unnecessary confrontations, while the other exudes scholarly gentleness, seldom resorting to the underworld method. However, Miss Chermaine, despite her outward facade as a mere businesswoman, wields methods more cutthroat than the most notorious underworld figures. Hence, anyone who provokes her can only dream of an escape through death."
His words sent a shiver down the spines of everyone in the living room, leaving them bathed in a cold sweat. The mere mention of Chermaine's methods elicited a primal fear that penetrated the core. It finally dawned on them why Freddie preferred instant death at Kingsley's hand over confronting Chermaine's anger.
Amidst this chilling atmosphere, Jeremy grappled with his awakening fear. He now realized that he, too, had grievously insulted her. A realization crept over him, as chilling as a shadow, that he might be consigned to the same dismal fate. "M-Mr. Nicholson..." he stuttered. "I accept. I agree with your proposal. I'm prepared to hand over the entire Forward Vision Group to you. I request that you intercede with Miss Chermaine to spare me."
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