Out of Control: Into Your Everything-Chapter 6: President Ford, Thank You

Julian Ford’s slender fingers rested on the table, his legs crossed, as he glanced indifferently at the presentation data on the screen.

"Everyone bring your specific investment plans up next week."

This attitude was quite ambiguous.

No one could figure him out.

But with the boss giving orders, of course everyone had to comply.

Scarlett Shaw had already drafted the Investment Department’s plan earlier. After sending it to Skyler Miller for review, she added, "We still need Finance to provide the core data. Judging from Accountant Grant’s attitude this morning, I doubt she’ll give it to me or Lily again."

"I’ll ask her supervisor for it later."

After being thoroughly aggravated in the meeting by the Marketing and Finance departments, Skyler Miller dragged Scarlett and Lily out for drinks after work to vent.

Lily: "I heard that President Ford was an advocate for long-term value investing at The Exchange. So why doesn’t he keep pushing for it in our company now?"

Skyler glanced at Scarlett, "Scarlett, you were in today’s meeting too. What do you think?"

Scarlett swirled her glass, "Balance."

Skyler nodded approvingly.

Lily was confused, "What are you two playing at, speaking in riddles?"

Skyler tapped her lightly on the forehead, "Less talk, more action. Watch carefully and learn slowly."

Lily pouted, "I just don’t get these twists and turns of yours. All I know is, I really can’t stand Chloe Grant now—don’t want to deal with her at all!"

"Every time I ask her for data, she acts like she can’t be bothered! We have to go out of our way to please her, and then what she sends is useless!"

"And yet some people still tout her as the company’s face, that aloof, proud beauty! Pfft! Honestly, she’s nowhere near as good-looking as Scarlett!"

Scarlett lowered her eyes, not saying a word.

Skyler’s expression turned serious, "Keep that talk between us—don’t embarrass yourself at the office."

Lily sulked, "I know, I’m just letting off steam."

After finishing their drinks, the three split up and went their separate ways.

Skyler called a chauffeur and gave Scarlett a ride home along the way.

Halfway, Skyler got a call. Scarlett noticed her surprise, and before Skyler hung up, she said, "Thanks, Assistant Carson."

So Scarlett asked, "Something to do with work?"

Skyler: "Aaron Carson just told me President Ford is going on a business trip the day after tomorrow, and I have to go with him."

Scarlett was puzzled. "For this kind of business, it’s usually notified by email. With Assistant Carson’s attention to detail, why message via WhatsApp directly?"

Skyler: "That means this trip isn’t something the boss wants publicized."

Scarlett paused, a suspicion taking shape in her mind, but she didn’t say it out loud.

"That’s what I like about you," Skyler said, mussing her hair gently, then added, "But sometimes, caring too much about others makes you an easy target. Your cousin Chloe Grant? She definitely doesn’t care how kind you are as her older sister."

"What Lily said today was emotional, but that kid’s honest; she doesn’t lie."

Scarlett understood her meaning and nodded, "Thank you, Skyler."

...

That night, Scarlett was playing piano in a restaurant.

After five days of playing, the manager was satisfied and asked her to work every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Scarlett was grateful.

During her break, she saw a message from Skyler:

Scarlett, I had an acute bout of gastroenteritis this afternoon—just had surgery and definitely can’t make the business trip tomorrow. I just talked it over with Assistant Carson. You can go in my place.

Staring at the flight information Skyler sent, Scarlett felt her scalp prickling. She couldn’t think of anything she wanted less.

If Julian Ford were just Ryan Ford’s older brother, she wouldn’t be so afraid of him.

But Julian Ford just had to be the big boss.

She could only think she must’ve been driven half-mad by Ryan Ford a few days ago—only that could explain her reckless boldness, not just throwing herself at Julian, but even threatening him. Absolutely idiotic.

She spent the whole night anxious and afraid.

The next day, Scarlett arrived at the airport, only to receive worse news:

This business trip would be just her and Julian Ford.

Aaron Carson carefully explained the important details to her and sent her the itinerary.

Seeing Scarlett’s pale face, Aaron smiled and said, "No need to be nervous; we’ll be back tonight. President Ford is very efficient—so long as you take care of business, any small mistakes on the side, he won’t mind."

Scarlett’s face said she didn’t believe it at all.

She’d already experienced firsthand how sharp-tongued Julian Ford could be.

One wrong word, and he’d stab you right in the spine—straight to the lung.

No way she could be calm.

But, as it turned out, Aaron was right.

From boarding in Capitoline to inspecting the company in Hibiscus City, Julian Ford didn’t say a word to her except for work-related matters.

Late August in Hibiscus City was humid and hot.

Julian looked impeccable in a bespoke suit. Even with beads of sweat gathering at his forehead, he remained focused, patiently touring the production site with the local company executive.

Every gesture was dignified and composed.

Scarlett kept close behind Julian, her gaze lingering on his handsome profile.

That sense of aloofness, of being beyond reach, had, in just one day, returned to this man.

Men at work really do seem more attractive—there’s truth to that saying after all.

After the tour, the executive invited them to dinner.

Julian politely declined, saying they had to catch a flight back to Capitoline that evening.

The other party had no choice but to let it go.

With time left before their flight, Scarlett asked Julian, "President Ford, should we reschedule the tickets and head back early?"

"No need."

Julian chose a nearby teahouse, and after sitting down, he casually asked, "Both companies we visited today are on the company’s investment list. Which do you favor?"

Scarlett thought for a moment and replied, "Corechip."

Corechip was the company they’d toured that afternoon.

Julian: "Why?" 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Scarlett: "The chip industry has huge future potential and market. Corechip is an excellent company; investment returns are bound to be high."

Julian lifted his eyes lazily, giving her a brief, indifferent look. "But Corechip’s stock price is high, and the company’s cash flow isn’t looking great. If we invest in Corechip, the return cycle will be at least five years."

Scarlett replied unhurriedly:

"Corechip’s stock price is a bit higher than Windrunner’s from this morning, but it’s a normal price. In fact, Windrunner’s stock is shockingly low—if we jump in recklessly, that’s very risky."

"Stock fluctuations are unpredictable in the short term."

"But in the long run, it’s always company value that decides everything. Corechip has the potential, and its current stock price is still below its intrinsic value."

These weren’t empty words—Scarlett had facts to back them up.

First, the financial reports supported this conclusion after analysis.

Second, the Investment Department had intended to invest in Corechip since last year and had been monitoring its securities and financials closely.

Julian sat across from Scarlett, legs crossed.

His expression remained calm, unreadable, until at last he said in a flat tone, "You should know that most people in the company prefer short-term investments."

The most obvious being the Marketing and Finance departments.

A department’s influence depended closely on its backers.

Scarlett understood his implication. She pressed her lips together, her eyes determined. "The Investment Department has always stood for long-term value investing."

Julian: "I want to see action."

Scarlett: "You can count on it, President Ford."

Saying this was as good as publicly declaring the team’s allegiance.

Julian’s indifferent gaze lingered on her face again.

Scarlett felt uneasy under his stare, but didn’t dare look away, forcing herself to meet his dark eyes.

She was inevitably nervous.

After all, Julian Ford was a giant in finance, a man who stood on the summit. For someone still climbing like her, there was only awe and admiration.

Julian languidly and elegantly lifted his teacup, took a sip, and said,

"Your intelligence at work is inversely proportional to your... romantic sense."

"..."

She’d just have to take that as a compliment.

Scarlett managed a forced smile. "Thank you, President Ford."

It was getting late, so Scarlett booked a car.

But when she stood up, maybe a bit too fast, she suddenly felt dizzy and lost her balance, falling backward.

A strong hand caught her around the waist.