Hollywood Zenith

With its own worldwide network in place and millions of pounds in investment, the Media Group now had three offices in London, two of which also house recording studios, two in the US, New York and Los Angeles, and a dedicated office in every major territory.

Even for Charles, handing over the reins of one of his cash cows was a hard blow. The media group was worth over a hundred million pounds in market value. But he needed to discover that Samuel had bigger plans for his company.

He added that it was only collateral damage, knowing that the fifth Earl had an asset he needed.

Everyone in the main office was confused when they were urgently called in the evening. They were informed about the meeting, but what\'s odd as it was the second meeting in two days. Russell knew it was over when he heard that Charles would attend this meeting.

He didn\'t know why they wanted to bury him that badly. Even the stare he was getting from others was killing him. He could have been let go privately, but it looked like he would be publicly shamed without getting any chance to fight back.

" Seriously? If I weren\'t obligated to be here, I would never have come for this farce!" One member slammed his file folder as soon as he came to the meeting room.

" Calm down Henry, at least that prune will not be here. I heard that the Earl arranged today\'s meeting."

" So what? We already know what he is coming here to do! Firing a slut and her accomplice, they could have done that already!"

" He is right. We at Barclays will not take this lightly." the stern-looking representative was adamant with his stance.

Some of the board members also agreed with his mentality. They were busy; after all, the media group was not their only asset. Russell could only hear their mean words; he had already quit this job. He just wanted it to be over with.

" Barclays are really showing their muscles. I guess that oil money is working out for you during this recession." Someone said, hearing which the room instantly went silent.

Some rumours were that The bank avoided a UK government bailout a few months ago by raising funds from Middle Eastern investors. Nothing was confirmed yet, but those who knew were certain that it was true.

The person in question was Samuel, who had arrived and overheard their conversation.

" Who?" Everyone looked toward the daring individual who dissed a powerhouse so casually.

" And you, if I am not wrong, didn\'t your company has "liabilities of approximately US$200 million." Do people still believe in that crap?" He went for the Ascension venture capital employee next, who was talking crap about Adele.

" Who is this rude brat!?"

" S-s-samuel Rothschil-d-d. What are you doing here?" It came as a shock to everyone. What was Samuel Rothschild doing here?

" Why wouldn\'t I be here? It is my company, after all. I called for this meeting to meet everyone." Samuel took the central chair, but what he said baffled them again. His company? What the hell was going on?

" Don\'t look so grim. Be seated; we have much to discuss." They sheepishly followed his command, but the question still lingered in their minds.

" I know you have some questions so I will make it quick. Earl thought his son was incompetent to run this company so he \'donated\' his shares to me. That\'s all."

" But, sir, we never heard about it." Someone asked.

" You will be hearing it soon. Is there a person named Russell here?" Samuel asked. Russell, who sat at the end of the table, came forward.

" It\'s nice to meet you. I believe you were taking care of my friend, Adele? I hope you continue to guide her in the future." Another bomb! They instantly recalled yesterday\'s event, and it all began to make sense. If Adele was his friend, they all committed a grave sin by getting on his bad side of him.

Especially Ascension representative looked like he had lost everything. He hoped this was a dream; if his boss found out that he accidentally incurred the grudge of someone like Samuel, he would be fired immediately!

" Miss Adele, is your friend? She never mentioned it to me." Russell and Samuel shook hands showing Samuel saw him in a positive light.

" She is a very private person. I met her yesterday and learned about what\'s been going on here. She also spoke highly of you, so I will appoint you as my representative here. Is it alright with you?" Just like that? Russell went from being the least valuable person in the room to the top in seconds.

Everyone looked at one another; they were already exposed. They could be next on the chopping block. But most people here were innocent; they didn\'t know about Roderick\'s plan. Maybe he would show some mercy if they spoke up!

" It would be my pleasure sir. I just don\'t know-"

" Sir we are innocent! I vehemenously reproached him yesterday during the meeting!"

" Me too; I strongly voted against Mr Roderick\'s idea!" They started making their case while throwing Roderick under the bus. Some even had \'concerns\' with how Earl ran the company. Samuel only smiled viciously, looking at the clown show.

" Really? Do you take me for a fool? I have been in enough of these meetings to know when someone is lying. So shut up and sit down!" Samuel roared, which instantly made everyone close their mouths.

" I don\'t care if you went along with it. I don\'t care how you run the company, but to accuse an innocent girl of such a malicious crime without giving a second look? You were going to ruin her career!" He shouted. They could only hang their head down, hearing his contempt.

" I was thinking about closing this damn place down, but-" He paused, looking at the horror on their faces. Even if he owned only forty per cent of this company, it is best to assume he could live up to his name using \'other\' methods. His reputation preceded him in this regard, yet it was his speciality!