"After the previous general manager of IP&G Group, Robert, jumped off a building to demonstrate in Venice branch, his two sons threatened the Group with gunfire, kidnapping, and other criminal offenses.Now they have been arrested and are likely to be sentenced to more than 30 years...’’
The big TV screen in the VIP room was reporting a live press conference.
Christina sat beside the bed, watching TV with a complicated expression.
The reporters asked anxiously, "I heard that Hopkins Family's eldest grandson was appointed as the CEO of IP&G Group three months ago, which caused a lot of dissatisfaction among the senior management.The incident has directly affected the group's stock price.Will the board take it into consideration.."
"This incident did have some impact on the group, but we will never compromise because of the vicious threat!"
In front of the camera, the current vice president of IP&G Group replied solemnly and slowly, showing the forceful attitude of the current management.
That was Patrick's style.
"Robert has been working for the Group for more than 30 years with outstanding results.There are many doubts about his sudden departure and suicide…”
"Both of his sons are elites of famous international schools.This time, due to the impulsive act of losing their father, they did such things.Do you consider bringing a reduction of sentence to the court on account of Robert's previous contributions…”
A female reporter was agitated and asked loudly, "The current president is only seeking personal gain and ruthlessly oppressing the old employees.Is this the culture that an international company should have?"
Christina was inexplicably annoyed by the noise on the television.
Most people favored the Preston Family, thinking that they were disadvantaged groups, and Patrick was obviously the vicious wolf who mercilessly put them into a desperate situation.
Picking up the remote control, she turned off the TV.
"Patrick…”
She sat on the bed in sorrow and murmured the familiar name.
What kind of person was Patrick? Christina looked at the spacious ward with complicated eyes.
There was no one else but her inside and four tall and sturdy bodyguards were guarding the door outside because she was grounded.
'He is a very strong, and very...dangerous person’
"I'm going in.Let me in!"
All of a sudden, there was a loud argument outside the door.
"I beg you.Please let me in for a while...I would never dare hurt her.I just want to talk to her..."
It was the voice of a middle-aged woman.
She trembled and pleaded repeatedly.
"Please leave immediately!"
Not long after, the bodyguard's cold and serious voice came with a warning.
"Young madam, I beg you to come out.We just came here to apologize to you..."
The woman raised her voice nervously and shouted.
Christina walked to the window of the ward and saw a well- maintained middle-aged woman sitting on the floor, hugging one of the bodyguards’ calves regardless of her image.
Her face was covered in tears.
She seemed too decisive and kept pleading, "Please let me in to talk to her, just five minutes.Please." she said in an extremely humble tone.
"Get out of here now!"
The stern bodyguards pointed the gun at her head to warn her.
"No, don't kill my mother...’
On seeing the gun, another young woman was trembling with fear.
She immediately jumped in front of the woman and shielded her.
"F*ck off..."
The bodyguard lost his patience.
"Let them in.’’ Christina’ wrenched the door open and ordered the bodyguards.
The two women, who fell to the ground, heard the sound and immediately raised their heads.
When they saw that it was Christina, they crawled to her feet.
"Mrs.Hopkins, I know that you were scared last night.My two sons were ignorant and muddle-headed.I can't believe that they had done such an ungrateful thing.I apologize to you on their behalf.I can do anything for you..."
The middle-aged woman tugged at her feet and spoke in a trembling voice, unable to control her emotions.
Her forehead was really pounding against the floor, making a thud sound...
The middle-aged woman seemed to be anxious, with a helpless look.
Christina's eyes widened slightly as she looked down at the dignified woman at her feet, who was kowtowing to her, and she was stunned."Mrs.Hopkins, my brothers have never been like this before.
They have also participated in international volunteer work, but my father's sudden departure affected them deeply...
Please forgive them.
They will change.
I promise...
The young girl was anxious as well, holding back tears in her eyes and tugging on her other leg.
This was Sean's sister, looking like a college student.
"Drive them away!"
The bodyguards behind them lost their patience.
They immediately went forward and dragged them, afraid that Patrick would come back and blame them.
"Let them go” Christina said hesitantly.
The bodyguard did not listen to her at all, but replied in a formal manner, "Young madam, please don't make things difficult for us’’
Yes, they were Patrick's men, so of course, they only listened to his orders.Christina pursed her lips tightly without speaking.
The fragile mother and daughter could not resist the pull of the bodyguards.
They were carried by the back collar and ruthlessly dragged to the elevator.
Mrs.Preston's face was covered in tears.
She turned to Christina and shouted, "I Know that my husband, Robert, got what he deserved.He was greedy.He was in a high position and used the group to smuggle, making billions of dollars..."
"Given that he has worked for the group for more than 30 years, Mr.Hopkins agreed to preserve his last reputation and promised not to publicize these things.I have selfish intentions.I don't want my sons to look down on my husband, so I didn't tell them..."
Mrs.Preston couldn't help but cry bitterly.
"Both my sons are in their early 30s.If they are in jail for 30 years, their lives will be over.."
They had been dragged to the elevator by the bodyguards, and Christina was still standing in front of the door, clearly hearing their voices echoing in the corridor of the hospital...
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Spoil My Errant Wife (Patrick and Christina)