"Ah," Manny blurted before realizing his reaction was inappropriate. He quickly put on a smile instead. "That's true. We already worked out almost everything. It's the same no matter who takes over. The next step was simply signing the contract."
He stood up and extended his hand. Elliott rose as well, and the two shook hands. Manny smiled. "Pleasure working with you, Mr. Durham."
"The pleasure is mine."
After the handshake, they both sat back down.
Misty served a freshly brewed pot of tea.
"Misty, you can go back to work. I'll take care of Mr. Durham."
"Of course. Call me if you need anything, Mr. Manny."
Misty nodded at Elliott, then left.
Elliott also asked Janet to step outside. Only he and Manny remained in the office.
"Manny, how did something this big happen in your family without a single rumor getting out? I only learned about it after I landed today. I was worried the partnership was going to fall apart.
"Laurence really is ruthless. He sidelined you the moment he took over.
"You've devoted so many years to Longbottom Corp, so you deserve recognition at least. Your family had no legitimate head for decades, and it was you and your father who kept everything running. Then, he comes back and harvests all the fruits of your labor.
"Wait, hasn't he been back for several years already? If he's truly the heir of the Longbottoms, why didn't he reveal his identity sooner? Why create Longtail Group and compete against your company instead?"
Elliott had too many questions.
Manny picked up his teacup, took a few sips, and set it back down. He sighed. "Well, how could I possibly know what the head of the family is thinking?
"My guess is that he felt no one would accept him if he took over the family immediately after returning, so he first built up an impressive record to prove himself. That way, no one would question his ability once he took over Longbottom Corp."
Elliott thought about it and nodded. "That explanation does make sense. With Longtail Group as it is, no one would dare claim that Laurence Young lacks ability."
"Mr. Durham, his surname isn't Young. It's Longbottom. He hid his identity for all those years just for this day."
Manny wanted to grind his teeth, but he had to hide his resentment.
He and Tony had built what they thought was a loyal group of supporters over thirty years in Longbottom Corporation, but not everyone could be won over. For example, the senior leadership never sided with them.
Now that Laurence had officially become the legitimate head of the family, everyone
in the company was watching carefully. Many people would just jump on the bandwagon. If Manny showed any open resistance, Laurence could easily use board pressure to force him into full retirement.
After all, he claimed he no longer had the energy to help manage the family's affairs. Laurence could simply tell him to retire and surrender his corporate position as well. After all, he was old and did not have the stamina anymore.
Manny did not know how to respond.
Elliott said, "Whatever surname he used before, your family has acknowledged his identity now, right? From now on, he's the head of the Longbottom family, so the final decision rests with him."
Manny had no reply.
"I heard he's also the sole disciple of Dr. Carden. Is that true?"
Manny nodded bitterly. They had crossed paths with Lilian and suffered badly.
Laurence's cunning and calculating nature had undoubtedly been learned from his master.
"A great master produces a great disciple. The Longbottom family is fortunate to have such an outstanding family head. With his leadership, the Longbottom family will reclaim its position as Havenmill's top.
"These years, you've nearly been overtaken by the Lane family. Now that you have a new head, you won't have to worry about them anymore."
The Lanes were the second most influential family in Havenmill. In the past, the Longbottoms and the Lanes had enjoyed a close relationship. Laurence's great- grandmother was a Lane, making the two families relatives by marriage.