In the meeting room of Runestone Group,
"Joseph, is this the solution you provided? What do you mean by replacing the new product with our previous model?" a shareholder seethed with anger. He stared at Joseph and shouted at him.
Roy appeared solemn, sitting there in silence.
William and Kelly wore serious expressions as well.
However, Joseph remained calm, which infuriated the shareholders.
Daisy, Joseph's assistant, was consumed by anxiety, but she couldn't speak on Joseph's behalf in such a situation.
Roy finally voiced his opinion and successfully convinced everyone to calm down.
"Everyone, please remain calm. Let's hear Joseph out," Roy persuaded.
Within the Runestone Group, the members felt tranquility regarding Key Group's new product launch. They could sense that something had gone awry. Particularly, those within the inner circle of the Runestone Group felt a heightened sense of anxiety, as they were well aware that a storm was looming on the horizon.
The shareholders urgently requested a meeting with Joseph.
However, to their surprise, Joseph informed them that there had been a change in tomorrow's new product launch, and the undisclosed products were to be showcased during the event.
While it was understandable to have a backup plan, the shareholders struggled to comprehend why these unreleased products should be displayed. It seemed absurd.
These old products had never aligned with Runestone Group's design concept and had remained confined to the D club, undisclosed to the public. They were far from impressive enough to compete with Key Group.
Joseph was going against the prevailing opinion, causing frustration among the shareholders.
Eventually, the shareholders managed to calm down, but their glares remained fixed on Joseph.
Joseph maintained his composure and continued, "Indeed, Leo is overseeing the development of our company's new product for this season. Key Group seems to share a similar design concept with us, and their finished products bear a striking resemblance to ours. We must ensure a seamless launch to dispel any suspicions our customers may have."
Confused, one of the shareholders asked, "What exactly are you talking about?"
Joseph's statement took aback all the present individuals.
After a brief pause, Roy inquired, "Are you suggesting that Key Group has stolen our design concept for our new product?"
"To be more precise, they have obtained our design drawings without authorization. Although their design style may not be an exact replica of ours," replied Joseph.
As the shareholders absorbed this revelation, a collective gasp filled the room.
"Should we pursue legal action against them?" William interjected abruptly, his silence broken. He appeared fatigued, with bloodshot and weary eyes.
Joseph furrowed his brow before responding, "Unfortunately, we currently lack evidence to link Leo to the theft of our design drawing directly."
"Why didn't you protect the design drawing more effectively?" a shareholder inquired.
Joseph replied, "It was done to prevent imitation by other companies."
Evidently, no company would willingly disclose their design drawings in advance to avoid imitation. However, Joseph could not determine how Leo had managed to obtain their blueprint.
Joseph pondered for a while but couldn't find an answer.
The shareholder's anger intensified, and they insisted, "You claimed that you took extensive measures to maintain confidentiality and prevent imitation by others. Yet, our blueprint was still stolen by Key Group. You owe us an explanation."
The man's tone and demeanor revealed his suspicion towards Joseph's words.
Joseph, being astute, comprehended the underlying implication and countered, "Are you insinuating that I am the one who leaked the information?"
Silence engulfed the room as everyone exchanged perplexed glances.
The shareholder narrowed his eyes and sneered, "Who else could be the leaker if not you?"
Roy interjected with a deep voice, "Such speculation is utterly absurd."
"Is it really so ridiculous? I find Joseph's actions suspicious," the shareholder asserted directly. After a brief pause, he continued, "Even the senior leaders of the company were only informed about the details of the new product at the last minute. Joseph, being the one with the most knowledge about the product design, raises suspicions."
The room fell into a tense silence as everyone contemplated the shareholder's words.
"But if I am indeed the leaker, what would be my motivation?" Joseph calmly questioned, his voice steady.
The shareholder paused, considering Joseph's question. The room remained hushed as all eyes were fixed on him, awaiting his response.
"I agree with Joseph. He has dedicated himself to the success of this company for so many years. It is inconceivable that he would intentionally harm himself in any way. It sounds truly absurd," another shareholder chimed in.
"Listen to him, everyone! What is he even talking about? He claims that Runestone Group belongs to Joseph!" The shareholder's aggression was palpable. After a few seconds, he continued, "I have a question. Who does this company really belong to? Yes, I acknowledge that you hold a stake in this company, but it doesn't make you the owner of Runestone Group. You asked about Joseph's motivation earlier. Well, I suspect that you are using Key Group to retaliate against our company, preventing Runestone Group from making a comeback."
"Mr. Xu, I strongly disagree. It is universally recognized that Joseph has contributed greatly to this company. You wouldn't have made as much money without him. Yet, here you are, turning against him in this predicament. It is utterly absurd," Daisy retorted indignantly.
As was known to all, Daisy had been Joseph's capable assistant for so many years, and she was a woman who always knew the proper limits for speech and action, but now she offended the shareholders directly, which meant that she was burning with rage.
Mr. Xu, overwhelmed by anger and embarrassment, slammed his fist on the table, shouting at Daisy, "Get out of here! You're nothing but Joseph's assistant. How dare you show such disrespect towards me? Daisy, you need to realize that I've been with Runestone Group longer than Joseph. I have more experience and wisdom than you. I know what you know, but I also understand things beyond your comprehension. Don't mistake me for someone ignorant."
The atmosphere in the room became tense as Mr. Xu's outburst echoed throughout the space.
Standing there silently, Daisy flushed with rage.
Turning to Daisy, Joseph gave her a hint not to speak for him. "Mr. Xu, please go on," said Joseph.
Daisy was not afraid of those shareholders since she was Joseph's subordinate, but now that Joseph asked her to bear patiently, Daisy then remained silent.
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