It was somewhat unexpected, but upon reflection, it wasn’t surprising.

Mr. Brown defying orders to not return proved futile and might cost those vice chairmen their reputation. In such a case, the situation would be even less favorable for him and his son.

Besides, returning allows him to maneuver freely.

Being such a clever man, Mr. Brown naturally wouldn’t make such a rookie mistake.

It is believed that when Mr. Brown returns, he will surely leverage his connections within the group’s high ranks to mediate. By then, a few vice chairmen might even be persuaded to switch their support to him.

There are too many significant changes here; relying solely on thoughts and guesses won’t do. It’s better to take it step by step and react accordingly.

Wen Yan also reminded that currently, it is unclear who is manipulating public opinion at headquarters, but the discussions regarding this matter are buzzing loudly with negative impacts. Regardless of the outcome, Cilio’s reputation will inevitably suffer, making any future promotions within the group unlikely.

After speaking with Wen Yan, Bai Xiaosheng remained silent for a while, fiddled with his phone for a bit.

Throughout the afternoon, Bai Xiaosheng had nothing to do, it was even considered "tranquil."

For one thing, there was nothing happening with the group, and on the other hand, there was no work-related matters, as well as no news from Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying.

Aside from playing with his phone and chatting with acquaintances, Bai Xiaosheng took a sufficient afternoon nap, quietly read for a while, enjoying the rare leisure.

Although Bai Xiaosheng was at ease, across the ocean, Caroline was continuing discussions with Vice Chairman Morgan regarding the fate and future of the group’s African region.

Bai Xiaosheng was deemed to have "started a head" in the African region, successfully entangling Brown and his son into the whirlpool, yet Caroline and Vice Chairman Morgan were not idle, their forces were clandestinely fanning the flames.

Mr. Brown, the President of African region operations, was always in poor health with intentions of retiring early, even if he tries to withstand the upheaval, he won’t last long. Once his son Cilio’s issues are confirmed, the group’s headquarters highest meeting will not permit him to remain in that position.

Mr. Brown stepping down is only a matter of time.

Executive Vice President Cilio of the African region is the core of this turmoil; once he is removed from the high ranks, a power vacuum between the father-son duo might arise in the group’s African division.

At that time, whoever ascends, whether "Eastward" or "Westward," will affect the group’s long-standing "balance" at headquarters.

Lu Cheng’an and Li Yunyuan are definitely keeping a close eye, probably scheming to intervene.

And in this matter, it’s evident that Caroline and Vice Chairman Morgan played a superior game from the start, subtly steering things.

Behind closed doors, the two discussed the matter without reservation, as this was a frank dialogue between two "steadfast allies"—

"Rather than aiding old Mr. Brown and Vice President Cilio to overcome difficulties, a blessing in disguise, I feel that adding fuel to the fire better serves our interests and suits my palate."

Caroline remarked while swirling the cup in her hand, sipping the Vice Chairman Morgan’s wine worth tens of thousands of US Dollars, smiling.

Vice Chairman Morgan also responded with a relaxed smile, but he cautioned, "Make sure no one notices our involvement in this matter. Whatever needs to be done, instruct your people to execute subtly. If Bai Xiaosheng and his team don’t catch on, prod them again, bit by bit, patiently, ensure we aren’t dragged into this! Mr. Brown, though a cornered beast, still has two sharp old teeth!"

"Rest assured, I’ve arranged everything." Caroline smiled brightly, her teeth neat and white.

Vice Chairman Morgan chuckled self-deprecatingly, "It’s unexpected that in investigating the Brown father-son duo, we would inadvertently ’collaborate’ with Bai Xiaosheng’s team. Truly unexpected, and old Mr. Brown would never have anticipated this either. Alas, it’s the natural selection decision."

Caroline nodded in agreement with a smile.

Moving forward, when Bai Xiaosheng’s team conducts investigations, they will discreetly provide some covert driving force and support, speeding things up on that end.

Even if old Mr. Brown returns to headquarters, trying to resolve this matter amicably, they would feign compliance yet secretly sabotage.

Ultimately, old Mr. Brown and Cilio must be removed.

Afterward, Vice Chairman Morgan and Caroline had a pleasant chat, imagining the "future" of the group’s African region without old Mr. Brown and Cilio.

The pair enjoyed their drink with laughter.

...

In the evening, the Huaxia Business Group hosted a farewell banquet for them in Moribido City, officially setting off to the next country, region.

Due to the short distance, the group traveled by business bus, escorted by a convoy arranged by Xisuli, and would arrive at the next destination in four hours.

Sitting in the car, Bai Xiaosheng closed his eyes to rest, though his mind was occupied with investigations concerning those enterprises within the group.

The investigation ultimately pointed to Cilio, essentially declaring open war against old Mr. Brown, the President of African region operations.

Whether Bai Xiaosheng intentionally did this or not, it would be interpreted by some with malicious intent to generate animosity towards him.

During a daytime conversation with Wen Yan, Bai Xiaosheng already learned that headquarters is currently bustling with commotion; many are deliberately extolling his "bravery," fearless of power, daring to openly challenge Mr. Brown.

Of course, there are also those spreading negative comments, accusing Bai Xiaosheng of seeking fame, entirely finding trouble with the Brown father-son duo for more achievements, even meticulously listing Bai Xiaosheng’s endeavors to stir up the group’s South America and North America regions, all for his own fame and status, so on.

Regarding these, Bai Xiaosheng was indifferent.

He could even guess who is scheming behind the scenes.

This not only provokes old Mr. Brown’s animosity towards Bai Xiaosheng but also encourages Bai Xiaosheng to investigate more aggressively while ensuring he doesn’t receive too much positive reputation.

Needless to say, those spreading rumors clandestinely are certainly conflicted.

Thinking about this, Bai Xiaosheng chuckled quietly, shaking his head slightly.

Thinking too much inevitably makes the mind a bit dizzy and swollen, so after pondering for a while, Bai Xiaosheng decided not to think about it anymore, leaning against the seat to take a nap.

...

Just as Bai Xiaosheng and his group set off, a flight landed at Ganande International Airport.

With eyes closed resting in his seat, Mr. Brown suddenly opened his eyes, bright with energy.

Glancing at the lights outside the cabin window of Ganande, old Mr. Brown couldn’t help but mutter to himself, "Back! This grand stage intertwines light and shadow, enemies may not be in the dark, and friends may not be in the open! Cilio, this ordeal might not necessarily be bad for you! You becoming the regional President at headquarters? Far from it! Far from it indeed!"

Upon disembarking, leaving the airport, dozens of people came to greet old Mr. Brown.

Friends, colleagues, departmental subordinates, everyone wore a face of concern, exchanging pleasantries and warmth.

Old Mr. Brown responded politely to each with a smile, but internally saw clearly—among these people, who were genuine and who were deceitful was uncertain.

Those showing concern might be eager for his early downfall.

Once the greetings were over, old Mr. Brown joined the group heading to the designated banquet venue.

In the car, old Mr. Brown showed no smile, speaking coldly to his secretary, "I gave you a list, are those people attending tonight’s event?"

With his son undergoing investigation, as a father, he couldn’t possibly have a cheerful mood to attend a party, yet old Mr. Brown had to proceed with such activities.

First, to network, and secondly, to show outsiders—the old man is calm and unafraid of investigation!

Old Mr. Brown’s secretary hurriedly presented a piece of paper, with a list of names, some underlined in pencil.

"The guests without a check mark said they have matters tonight and cannot attend, expressing apologies to you." The secretary said cautiously, seemingly afraid of reprimand.

Old Mr. Brown silently reviewed the names on the list, roughly a third didn’t show up, but the remainder still honored his reputation.

"These people truly are self-preserving. Those who attended, who knows how many out there wouldn’t, dare to offer help to me!"

Old Mr. Brown chuckled to himself, "I’m not even a bit surprised!"