Chapter 658

Downstairs at the Rodriguez Group building, Winnie parked her car, her vision momentarily blurred. She thought she'd never have to deal with Lawrence again after being rescued from the island. But here she was, stepping into the Rodriguez Group once more.

The place had lost its former glory. It felt eerie with no receptionists or security guards in sight. As the elevator doors opened, employees carrying boxes walked out. Winnie instinctively covered her face with her sleeve, not wanting to be recognized. But they were too busy to notice her, whispering among themselves.

"HR from the Peterson Group called, offering me three times the salary. I asked the finance department if our bonuses would still be paid, and they said Mr. Rodriguez prioritizes compensation first. But it looks like our paychecks will be delayed. The Peterson Group has a better future, so I'm leaving."

"Mr. Martin, the general manager of the Peterson Group, personally called me. The sooner we leave, the better. Mr. Rodriguez is beyond saving. Staying here is a waste of our talents."

A senior executive-looking guy rushed out, blocking their way. "Did you submit your resignation to Mr. Rodriguez? When the company was at its peak, you had the highest salaries in the industry. Now that we're facing difficulties, you dare to leave without permission? Do you think I won't report this?"

"Go ahead and report. Mr. Rodriguez doesn't have time for us. If we leave now, the Peterson Group will still offer us good positions. Staying here means layoffs or starvation."

The executive cursed, "Ungrateful bunch! Has Mr. Rodriguez ever shortchanged you? You're just ordinary technicians, but he gave you so many bonuses."

"Don't be foolish. No matter how good Mr. Rodriguez is to you, he can't give you a future. You better leave quickly, or we might end up being your bosses."

They left quickly, and the executive ran back to the elevator, looking like he was going to report. Winnie stood there in shock. 'Had the Rodriguez Group really reached the point where they couldn't pay salaries? The situation was worse than I had imagined.'

She pressed her lips together and took the elevator to the president's office. The secretary's office was almost empty, with only a few people left, and the place was a mess. She was about to knock on the president's office door when she heard arguing inside.

"Mr. Rodriguez, let me give you some advice. Don't be ungrateful. The Rodriguez Group is in bad shape. I saw employees resigning one after another. You can barely pay salaries, right? Stop being stubborn. If I were you, I'd agree to my terms and sell the Rodriguez Group to me. I won't ask for the 1.5 billion dollars chip penalty anymore. This is already very generous."

"You want to acquire the Rodriguez Group with three hundred and fifteen billion dollars? Jesse Scott, you're dreaming!" Bryan's voice was icy with anger. "Even if we default on the chip deal, we still have countless subsidiaries in real estate, finance, and hotels. We're leaders in every industry in Trento City. Aren't you afraid of choking on your own ambition?"

"Shut up! Who do you think you are? Lawrence's lackey?" Jesse slammed the table, glancing at Lawrence, who sat motionless. "Bryan, do you think you're still the glamorous assistant to Lawrence? Some eras, once gone, are gone forever. The Rodriguez family is history."

Lawrence looked up, his eyes dark. "Get out."

"Lawrence, don't be so arrogant! You used to look down on the Scott family. Now, do you believe I can have you killed? I'm the father-in-law of the second son of the Peterson Group!"

"Kill me? You can try." Lawrence's cold voice cut through the air as he stood up. Jesse quickly felt a sense of oppression.

Lawrence's eyes were terrifying.

Jesse hesitated, angrily kicked the table, and mocked, "Just wait and see, Lawrence. I'll buy your broken company for 150 billion dollars." He stormed out, brushing past Winnie at the door.

The office door swung back and forth.

Winnie heard Bryan's angry voice from inside. "Mr. Rodriguez, who is this Jesse to dare confront and insult you? This must be Mars stirring things up. He wants to see you fail and take over the Rodriguez Group."

"Enough," Lawrence interrupted darkly, suddenly looking up. He saw a figure standing at the door, opening and closing. His Adam's apple seemed to freeze for a moment, then he nervously blinked, confirming he wasn't mistaken.

His whole body tensed with emotion, and he spoke in a hoarse voice, "Why are you here?"

Bryan didn't understand at first, but when he turned around, he was shocked to see Winnie.

"Ms. Anderson?" Bryan quickly walked over to open the door for her.

Winnie clenched her fist and walked in. She felt Lawrence's gaze on her, her skin prickly and hot, both intense and cold, making her heart tremble. She didn't know if it was fear or discomfort.

She turned her beautiful face away, took off her hood, revealing her smooth brown hair. In Lawrence's eyes, she was always the most beautiful without makeup. At this moment, her skin was tan, but her lips were pale, and her eyes were covered with a layer of shallow melancholy.

His heart trembled, so much so that he needed to reach out and cover it. He looked at her deeply, feeling a dull pain.

"Bryan, leave us," Lawrence quickly said in a low voice.

Bryan, feeling complicated, walked out and thoughtfully closed the door.

In the office, the two stood in silence.

Winnie looked at Lawrence with complex emotions. It had only been a few days since they parted on the island, but it felt like a long time. Even Lawrence's appearance seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

The night he left, he was handsome as jade, domineering like a devil, full of vigor and arrogance. But now, the Lawrence in front of her had a wrinkled white shirt, bloodshot eyes, and a stubbly jaw.