Seeing how Fred and Cred treated Roland with respect, Bred and Ned had a confused expression on their faces.
Even if Roland was indeed a big customer, it was still not right for him to claim that he now owns the company. As branch managers, they should have at least the basic courage to face this kind of fraud's right?
On the other hand, Roland also felt a surprise when he first saw Gonzalo earlier.
When he acquired and searched the security company on their website, he never thought that it was actually the same company that Gonzalo was part of. It was a coincidence that none of them could have foreseen.
Anyways, now that the introduction was already done, Roland was about to ask about the security company when Ned and Bred let out a snort.
"So this is it? Fred? I thought you still want us to stay for the company even with the crisis? How can you believe such a fraud and even treat them with respect? Hmmp!" Ned stated with a look of disdain.
Bred also snorted and added, "If it's like this, then I truly think that it's better to just resign and leave this kind of company for good."
Bred and Ned were the ones who considered resigning earlier to avoid the trouble within the company. Fred managed to convince them out of it earlier but it looks like the current situation firmed their decisions even more.
Fred smiled wryly at them. He did not know how to explain it to them. For one thing, he did not want the company to change owners and management. He was reluctant to imagine that the company had truly fallen to such a state.
However, like his branch members, Fred was also quite aware of Roland's character. He was someone who could even buy the most luxurious villa in Sea Anemone District, and even buy a Ramborghini Sian in the next few days after acquiring the villa.
If it was the others who claimed that they bought the entire company, Fred would surely not believe them. However, this was Roland that they were talking about. One thing he knew about his character was that he liked to act low-key and he doesn't claim something he doesn't own.
He could even buy that villa and the car that was worth more than a million global dollars without batting an eye, how much more than the entire company which was only valued 750,000 Global Dollars after the crisis?
"This... I think it's better to wait for the big boss to appear before we make any decision," like his underling, Fred also wanted to take a safer approach.
Although it was highly unlikely, there was still a small chance that Roland was indeed a fraud.
"Company crisis? Mr. Fred, can you elaborate about this matter?" Roland suddenly said as he tilted his head in confusion.
The System never informed him that the company was now undergoing some kind of crisis. He also did not research enough to know the details as he only searched the website to see the name of the security company before.
Ned snorted in disdain hearing his inquisitive question, he thought that such an outsider was not worthy to know the company's situation as the other party might sell it to rival companies.
However, Fred acted differently than Ned's expectations.
"Alright. Actually, this is not some kind of secret so there is no need to hide this at all."
Fred was about to explain the matter to him in detail when Bred's eyes lit up as he said, "Big boss is here!"
They traced his sight and realized that he was looking at the elevator whose door just opened a while ago.
Roland also did the same to the others as he saw a man emerging from the elevator. His great eyesight allowed him to see clearly even from afar. He observed him in detail even though he was still quite far away.
The man has white hair depicting his old-age. From Roland's estimate, he should be around fifty to sixty years of age.
However, even with that advance of age, Roland could tell that he was still quite energetic, as if he was still in his youth. Beside him were two buff men wearing black shirts. Their enormous chest was outlined by the thin shirt as they walked behind the old-man with white hair in alert.
From the website, Roland knew that Protect Life Security Company has five properties in total. Four of them were branches spread all over Pearl Province while the headquarters was located at Bridge City.
From the looks of it, as well as how the four branch managers look at the old-man in white hair with respect, Roland could already guess his identity.
He should be Alfred, the General Manager of Protect Life Security Company.
At the same moment that they were observing him, Alfred was also doing the same towards them.
He arrived in front of them a minute later as the four branch managers bowed their heads to greet him with a warm smile.
Alfred nodded his head at them in response as he asked, "What's going on in here?"
Alfred noticed the strange atmosphere earlier so decided to ask regarding the situation.
Fred was about to explain, but Bred cut him off again.
In Bred's mind, this was an opportunity to talk and report to the big boss, how could he neglect this opportunity? Even Ned clicked his tongue in regret seeing how fast Bred's reaction was.
"Boss, don't worry about this. It's just a small matter of a clown doing his own thing," Bred said with a light chuckle.
However, even though he said that it was only a small matter, Bred still continued to narrate the situation to Alfred.
"This clown, claimed that he is the owner of the company. Don't worry about it boss, with you being here, he would not be able to act pretentious anymore." He said with another chuckle.
The thought of Roland getting exposed right in front of them was quite hilarious. He already expected for him to storm away in embarrassment.
He looked at Roland and said, "Kid, do you even realize who we are? We are branch managers of the company that you claimed to be yours. And this? He just happens to be the real big boss here. He is the very capable General Manager of the company. Let's see if you still dare to claim that you are the owner of Protect Life Security now!"
Roland smiled and just ignored his insults. He was already used to them at this point and such childish acts could no longer cloud his mind. Especially with his level 3 soul, his insult was like an ant getting dropped in the middle of the ocean. Creating a ripple would be hard.
"I am indeed the new owner of the security company though," he said with a matter of fact voice.
He then looked at Alfred as he waited for his answer. Alfred and everyone's situation would depend on his next words. Roland doesn't like braggart joining his circle of mens. It would be better to get rid of them early before they become an incurable cancer to him in the future.
On the other hand, Alfred frowned after hearing their interaction. He thought for a moment and looked at Roland, "Are you perhaps, Mr. Roland?"
Roland nodded his head in affirmation to his answer. He was glad that Alfred did not immediately jump into conclusion like Ned and Bred earlier.
Seeing Roland nod his head, Alfred's eyes visibly widened in surprise and delight. His previous serious looks were now replaced with enthusiasm as well. His previous worries could be said to have been washed away at this instant.
"Great! Great! You're actually here," he said as he bowed his head to greet Roland, "Good morning Mr. Roland. I am Alfred, the main branch manager of Protect Life Security Company. Thank you for your grace!"
"What are you guys doing? Greet Mr. Roland now. He is the new owner of the company!" Alfred berated seeing the dumbfounded expression of the three branch managers.
Fred, Benjamin and Gonzalo already sort of expected this situation to unfold, so they remained quiet as they held in their surprise. Their intuitions were indeed right.
For Cred, the reason why he was surprised was that he truly did not expect for Roland to actually be the real owner. Although he knew that he was wearing simple yet branded clothes, he was still skeptical about his claims as he was not familiar with him.
Ned and Bred were struck with the realization. The boss that they had admired so much actually lowered his head to greet Roland. This caused quite a huge impact on them as they were still looking down on Roland earlier.
Now, the tables had suddenly turned. They were now beneath him, dumbfounded about the revelation.
Roland chuckled at their reactions as he found it quite satisfying. He waved his hands and casually said,"It's alright, there's no need for the two of them to greet me anymore. From now on, they're no longer the branch managers of their respective branches."
The huge bomb that Roland suddenly dropped caused quite a scene. As if the calm before the storm, the hall was quiet and the silence was deafening.