ROWON's fall

Intentionally slamming the cup down, Leo placed it on the table carefully after enjoying the aroma, "We need to concentrate on building ROWON Enterprises instead of losing useless time hunting for evidence." "I'd rather leave Eric to play his games. We have solid robust international business partners who will watch our backs," stated Leo calmly.

That led Chris to think further as he sat back in his chair, "Yes, expanding our network will make the business stronger, but how do we have a strategy to make quick gains? Individuals with the skills and capabilities we require are not abundant."

Emily nodded. "We do have contacts, but closing deals takes time. We need to move fast before the board loses complete faith in us."

Before anyone could respond, the lounge door opened and Ryan Stans walked in. The new secretary came in with his usual calm demeanor, his sharp eyes scanning the room before he walked over to the table. "Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Rowon, but I believe I have a right to be included in this discussion."

Chris gestured him into a chair. "Timing's perfect. We have to talk strategy."

—

ROWON Enterprises was on the brink of bankruptcy. The reports stated that nearly 18% of revenue that had been projected was lost due to supply chain disruptions and sabotage from within. Investor confidence went through the floor, and employees whispered anxiously in the hallways. The accounting department found unauthorized bank transfers linked to offshore accounts, confirming their worst fears—Eric was strangling the company from within through intentional crippling.

The stress in the office was suffocating. Every department was under strain, every discussion was coloured with uncertainty. Chris barely slept, poring over accounts and supplier contracts for hours on end, searching for a way out of this debacle.

And then the breaking point.

At an emergency board meeting, one of the older investors slammed his fist on the table. "Chris, if you can't handle it, the board will have no choice but to consider other leadership!"

Eric sat at the extreme end of the mahogany table, arms folded, self-satisfied expression on his face. He did not have to say a word—his very presence had ignited the spark of skepticism.

Chris stood the investor's glare, unflinching. "ROWON Enterprises will not collapse under my watch. I have a plan, and I need the board's approval. Just give me time, and I will make this work."

Eric smiled but remained silent. The meeting ended with an ultimatum: Sort it out fast, or you're gone.

—

That evening, Chris gathered his core team in the executive boardroom. Emily, Leo, Ryan, Mark, and Sophie sat around the table, their faces tense but determined.

Mark, the senior analyst, began. "The company has suffered significant losses. The supply chain for our food and beverage division is in crisis—delays, shortages, and pricing manipulation. If this continues, we'll lose another 10% of revenue in the next quarter."

Sophie, the business analyst, added, "Eric's influence runs deep. He's using third-party distributors to artificially drive prices up. Our regular suppliers refuse to do business with us, and some broke off contact entirely. If we don't establish a stable supply chain, our products will disappear from the shelves."

Chris breathed deeply. "And what about the fines on those who prematurely cancelled their contracts? They should at least have paid the fees that were agreed upon."

Ryan clicked across his screen, bringing up transaction histories. "They did. They all paid in full, upfront. Some of them even paid in cash upfront instead of in installments, which they could have done. It's too tidy. Almost like they knew this was coming."

Chris clenched his teeth. "That's what Eric wants. To ruin our reputation so the board forces me to resign. We have an issue. We require a solution. And we require it now."

Leo leaned forward. "That's the reason we pivot. If local suppliers become threatened, we go elsewhere—world markets. We need to identify good international partners that can provide long-term assistance."

Ryan nodded. "I've already compiled a list of potential suppliers in Europe, Asia, and South America. These companies are looking for stable business partners, and we can offer them opportunities in our market."

Emily tapped her fingers on the table. "Who do we have the best chance with?"

Ryan pulled up a document on his tablet. "There's an Argentinian company—one of South America's largest agri-food exporters. They sell food and drink supplies at reasonable prices and are looking to break into new markets. If we can secure a deal with them, it could solidify our place."

TWIGRI, a Buenos Aires-based company, had been a leading exporter of agricultural products for decades, with a focus on grains, dairy, and beverage ingredients. With distribution networks reaching from North America to Europe to Asia, they had the infrastructure and the resources to be able to sustain ROWON Enterprises. Having them as a partner would offer a direct, secure supply chain, eliminating expensive third-party distributors. Also, TWIGRI was in search of new market explorations, and hence it was a two-way chance for these businesses.

Chris stood up. "Then that's our cue. Ryan, you're coming with us. Tomorrow we're going to Argentina. We're going to seal this deal ourselves."

No one had the time to utter a single word when Chris picked up his phone and dialed Jeff's number.

"Yes, Mr. CEO?" answered Jeff over speaker.

"Jeff, remove the current finance director from his office. Sophie is taking up the position immediately."

"Understood, sir."

"And also," Chris continued, his voice firm, "Mark is to be appointed as the head of the Senior Board. Report to me if anyone dares to challenge it."

"Yes, Mr. CEO. I'll handle it."

Chris hung up and took a look around the room. The burden fell heavily on his shoulders, but for the first time in days, he felt control return to his hands.

The room fell silent for a moment before Leo smiled. "Now this is getting interesting."

Chris ignored the comment. He looked at his team. "Hold things together while I'm gone. The future of ROWON Enterprises depends on this."

—

The next morning, Chris and Ryan boarded a private flight to Argentina. As the city skyline faded below them, Chris exhaled, staring out the window. The battle for ROWON Enterprises was far from over, but this was their first major counterattack.

He wasn't going to lose.

End of Chapter 4.