Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 1180

Because the Morrison Group had contributed significantly to national development over the years—and after Khloe took over, she'd further reduced profit margins, partnering with the Hunt Group to boost employment and public welfare—the authorities weren't inclined to come down hard on her or the company. They suggested that if Khloe could offer the public a proper explanation and quell the outcry, the matter could be settled with a private penalty instead.

That way, at the very least, the Morrison Group's reputation could be preserved, and the damage to the business would be minimized.

Truth be told, even if the officials hadn't made that offer, Khloe had already planned to lean on whatever goodwill she'd built up.

In Goldmont City, the Morrison family stood as a flagship enterprise—both for the public good and for the sake of the company itself, it shouldn't be dragged down by personal actions.

It was only after coordinating with the authorities that Khloe had authorized the Morrison Group's official statement.

The public had guessed correctly, and Khloe wasn't trying to hide it. Her next move was to have the Morrison Group distance itself from her.

Let the online backlash run its course. She'd put up a show of reluctance to let go of the company. Then, when the time was right, the Morrison Group would present a new public face—someone who would, with the utmost integrity, pass judgment on Khloe and strip her of control. The public would get the outcome they'd been clamoring for, and their anger would naturally shift away from the company.

That new face, obviously, would be Ethan.

From a damage-control perspective, Khloe's approach was as solid as they came. But within the company, no one wanted to see her go.

She hadn't been at the helm of the Morrison Group for long, but she'd extended benefits to every employee, channeled project profits into frontline workers, and even won over shareholders and senior management with her management skills and business acumen.

Even now, with her public image in freefall and the company taking heat alongside her, what people truly feared was Khloe getting hurt.

Ethan didn't want to take over under these circumstances, either.

For the first time, he put personal sentiment above self-interest. Even after Khloe gave the order, he refused to comply.

"There might be other ways to protect the Morrison Group. You're a Morrison—you can never fully separate yourself from this company. If something goes wrong, we should face it together. And besides, everyone at the company is worried about you..."

Ethan was still pushing back. The moment the news broke that morning, Khloe had laid out her crisis-management plan.

But he'd taken it to the shareholders' meeting, and they hadn't approved it outright.

That was why the Morrison family's statement had come off so half-hearted. Ethan had rewritten it multiple times, leaving plenty of wiggle room.

Ethan, unable to get through to Khloe, shot a sidelong glare at Barney.

Sure, Barney was only here to look after her—but they were both supposed to be her brothers, weren't they? Couldn't they act like something more than glorified caretakers?

"Getting worked up won't help. Things will work out. Besides, Khloe's already got a plan in place." Barney gave a faint smile, as if they were discussing nothing more consequential than everyday trifles.

Ethan had just picked up a slice of apple when he put it right back down.

"This is your plan? You're really going to sit back and watch Khloe give up her stake in the Morrison Group, take all the blame, and walk away from everything?"

"Would that be so bad? She needs to rest now. She won't be focused on work for the next year or two anyway. Besides, the Morrison Group is in good shape. And you're here."

Barney's words left Ethan even more speechless.

He wasn't wrong.