These inspections weren’t anything new. Usually, Birgitte would handle them. She’d hand out some cigarettes and offer them. some snacks. If there were any minor issues, a casual heads–up would be enough to settle them. Honestly, it was all just for
show.
But this time, they were strictly by the book.
An official said, “The fire extinguishers are expired, the wiring is a bit old and poses a safety risk, and the fire alarm system isn’t up to
standard.
“You’ll need to fix these issues. This inspection is marked as failed. Here’s the fine. If you have no objections, please sign here
He handed a document over to Aubree..
Aubree glanced at it, didn’t say a word, and signed her name without hesitation.
Once they saw her sign, the fire department didn’t hassle her any further. They just packed up and left.
She’d only been in Südlichen Strand for a short while, and already, three different groups had come by. Aubree watched their retreating backs.
Birgitte frowned. “Something’s off these past couple of days.
“The business bureau, the tax department, and every regulatory agency seem to be coordinating their surprise inspections. They show up every other day.”
Luckily, they’d always followed Aubree’s advice and never crossed any red lines, so nothing major had been found.
Even though they were quite cooperative, all these government inspections kept popping up. Any partner would start having second thoughts if they saw this kind of thing going on.
“Don’t worry about it,” Aubree said, “Mr. Kader’s bringing his team over tomorrow to talk business. Let’s just lock in the investment and ignore these people.”
Aubree knew exactly what was going on. The Wilson and Diamonde families were getting antsy.
Sheldon’s investment wasn’t just his own; he’d also brought in a major player from Nadio, Windward Group, which had made its fortune in logistics and supply chain management. That was the real reason Aubree had agreed to work with him.
But what happened today was a good reminder.
The Diamonde family had deep connections all over Südlichen Strand. Phonyra Jewelry was a heritage brand with over a hundred years of history.
Rumor had it they used to supply the royal family. Even Manchotech would have a hard time holding the Diamonde family
back.
“Let’s just be extra careful with the little things for now. Once we lock in the funding and go public, everything will get a lot easier, Aubree said.
No matter what agency it was, at the end of the day, money could satisfy them.
Once GrabCheap really took off and started making an irreplaceable contribution to Südlichen Strand–or even the whole country–then no matter what the Diamonde family tried to do, it would appear harmless to Aubree.
“We’re probably going to be seeing a lot more of these inspections from now on,” Aubree said.
Birgitte just nodded.
Aubree kept getting headaches. She’d managed to catch a nap on the plane, and just as she was starting to feel a little better, all this annoying stuff had to happen.
She said. “Everyone’s exhausted today. Let’s all head home early. The real fight is tomorrow.”
1/2
Chapter 411
Aubree crashed at her place in Südlichen Strand to get some rest. Sheldon wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow afternoon, but the next morning. Aubree received an unexpected invitation.
“This breakfast joint in Südlichen Strand is a real old–school favorite. You’ve got good taste, she commented.
She found an uninvited guest seated at her breakfast table.
Aubree finished her last bite of sandwich and said, “Did the Diamonde family go broke? Mr. Diamonde, are you so broke that you have to share a table with me and fight for breakfast?”
Her words were blunt and cutting, but Ernesto Diamonde was a seasoned veteran. He wasn’t about to get riled up over a couple of jabs. He just smiled and said, “Come on, I’m your uncle. We’re family. No need to be so on edge, right?”
“Uncle?” Aubree gave a short laugh. “Seems like you’ve forgotten what you said to me the first time I came to Südlichen Strand.
“I’ll never forget the look of disdain you gave me for the rest of my life.”
She’d never forget the first time Alice brought her and Carmen to the Diamonde family, Ernesto picked Carmen up, and had a katisfied smile.
When he turned to her, it was like he’d just seen a disgusting bug. He then warnred her not to even dream of challenging Carmen’s place in the family.
Aubree said, “So let me remind you, if I don’t even have a mother, how could I possibly have an uncle?*
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