Chapter 281 Zev Has Always Been Capable
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Dave nervously wiped away the sweat forming on his brow. "Mr. Lockhart, there''s been a misunderstanding. This project proposal was rejected. It must have been mistakenly included by someone lower down. I''ll look into it immediately."
He was clearly scrambling to find someone else to me for the error.
The situation was more serious than a mere oversight.
"Didn''t t you just im that you personally oversee everything?" Hanson interjected sharply. "For such a grave error, aren''t you supposed to take responsibility, Mr. Kilmer?"
Dave clenched his jaw, the taste of defeat bitter. “I admit my oversight. The workload recently has been overwhelming, and some details were missed."
His words carried an unspoken plea, I''ve made significant contributions to thispany, surely you won''t dismiss me over one small slip?
Zev''s voice, deep andmanding, cut through the tension. "Continue, read the highlighted sections."
With no way out, Dave''s face tensed as he began to read aloud.
"This contract is fraught with severe discrepancies, clearly pointing to corrupt dealings within the project department. I''ve had thispany investigated-it''s nothing more than a facade with significant issues. Who authorized this project?" Zev pressed, his gaze fixed on Dave.
With his name signed at the top of the contract as the head of the project department, Dave could not escape ountability.
Sweat beaded on Dave''s forehead as he realized the consequences of his allegiance to rissa.
He had assumed that once rissa returned to Lockhart Group, his position would be secure. However, he had not anticipated bing the focal point of Zev''s cleanup operation.
Dave had never expected Zev to be so astute. The project department was critical
to the group, and he had vastly underestimated Zev''s strategic acumen.
Didn''t rissa dismiss him as inept, a man with no prior experience in management?
"Recently, there has been turmoil within Lockhart Group. Without reform, it will decay from within. It would be a shame to watch a century-old institution crumble because of a few corrupt individuals, wouldn''t it?" Zev stood, addressing Dave with a stern look. "As manager of the project department, you''ve contributed, but your greed has overshadowed those contributions. Given this contract, I have grounds to suspect you of bribery. You have the right to cooperate with the investigation led by the police and our legal and public rtions departments."
Zev approached Dave, his presencemanding.
Dave''s legs wobbled under him as he looked up at Zev, towering above. He stuttered, "Mr. Lockhart, please, this must be some kind of misunderstanding...
Just then, police officers appeared at the door. "We''re from the Seaville Police Department. You''re suspected of bribery and embezzlement. Pleasee with us for questioning."
The project department fell silent, watching the scene unfold.
Chapter 281 Zev Has Always Been Capable
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With Zev taking assertive action, the situation escted beyond a minor issue-it was a major shakeup.
Dave''s colleagues, previously close to him, now shivered in fear, none daring to speak out.
"Zion Lockhart! What right do you have to involve the police? I want to see the chairman! I demand to see the chairman!" Dave yelled as he was escorted out by the police, desperately calling for Wade.
"Cooperate with the investigation," Zev replied coolly.
"Zion Lockhart! I want to see the chairman!" Dave continued to protest. "You can''t do this to me; I''ve been with thepany for years! Think of the profits I''ve brought! How many others in thispany are truly clean? I want to see the chairman."
Zev remainedposed, lounging on the sofa, his demeanor rxed yet his aura undeniable.
Though not well-versed in finance, his military presence was undeniable.
"Find Ms. Regina! She''ll save me," Dave pleaded, instructing his assistant to seek out Regina.
Dave had a point. Is anyone with a bit of power in thepany truly innocent?
Dave''s defiance revealed desperation, but it also posed a warning to Zev.
After the police led Dave away, Zev stood and surveyed the quiet workspace. "Everyone, let''s continue working. From today, my assistant Hanson will temporarily lead the project department. If you have any concerns, direct them to him."
Hanson was taken aback, his finger pointing to himself, bewildered at the sudden responsibility.
He would be the one rissa took action against when she came back.
"Keep it up," Zev encouraged, pping Hanson on the shoulder.
Hanson was left nearly breathless.
In the office, Kelly methodically worked through the pile of project files on Zev''s desk.
Her eyes felt strained and tired from the intense focus.
No wonder CEOS often seemed so stern-it was clearly a draining role.
As Zev entered the room, he greeted Kelly with a fist bump.
"All set?" she asked with a smile.
"Absolutely," Zev replied, yfully ruffling her hair. "The first warning has been issued. Next, we''ll tackle the list of HR managers and address them one by one."
Kelly sighed, rubbing her eyes. "I heard rissa used her health as an excuse to step back from her duties, and surprisingly, Mr. Wade didn''t dismiss her."
"Does he really trust her that much?" she wondered aloud.
Leaning against the desk, Zev considered her words. “rissa has only been with the Lockhart Group for
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Chapter 281 Zev Has Always Been Capable
two years, yet as soon as she stepped back, everything turned chaotic. Wade is cautious around her."
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Kelly paused and looked at Zev, a realization dawning on her. Perhaps Zev had never been the impulsive and unstable one. Maybe, just maybe, he had been resisting the immense pressures of taking over Lockhart Group all along.
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