Chapter 444: Presenting the Nationwide Garden Properties Initiative

Vanessa Bennett stood before the boardroom, presenting the nationwide Garden Properties initiative. She announced the requirement for a hundred-billion-dollar loan to fund the ambitious venture. The room erupted in immediate dissent. "Ms. Bennett, have you lost your mind? A hundred billion is impossible!"

"Are you ignoring our current crisis? Bennett shares have plummeted, causing a hundred and fifty billion in losses already. Now you want to borrow another hundred billion?"

"This project will bankrupt Bennett Holdings if it fails!"

Even Penelope Sinclair voiced her concern. "Vanessa, this is far too dangerous. We must be cautious." Vanessa remained seated in the director's chair, her expression unwavering. "Setting aside the financial aspect, is this not an exceptional project?" The board members exchanged uneasy glances. Silence fell across the room. They couldn't deny the project's potential brilliance. Their nation was advancing sixth-generation garden properties, granting even modest homes the luxury of beautiful gardens. Major developers were testing similar projects in limited regions. If Bennett Holdings launched this nationwide, they would dominate the industry within two years.

But the risk was astronomical. One hundred billion dollars. Even utilizing all available Bennett funds would leave them fifty billion in debt. Failure meant utter destruction.

"I recognize your apprehensions," Vanessa addressed the tense atmosphere. "However, remember that I now hold the Director position. Any consequences will fall upon me. I accept full responsibility for this venture."

"If I'm willing to risk everything, why shouldn't you support me? Trust my judgment. I want what's best for this company. This risk promises the most substantial returns."

"I will personally secure the loan. It won't take long."

The board gradually yielded to Vanessa's determined conviction. She spoke truth—she controlled the majority shares and would bear the ultimate burden. Her fearlessness became their reassurance. Success meant enormous dividends. Crucially, with Bennett Holdings hemorrhaging money, securing bank loans would signal financial confidence to investors. The new project could reshape their perception entirely. The proposal passed with full board endorsement. Vanessa proceeded directly to the bank negotiations, carrying the Bennett Holdings's official seal. Alone in her car, pure malice glittered in her eyes. Her scheme was falling into place perfectly.

She would leave Sienna Bennett a devastating farewell gift. The Bennett family learned the news that same evening. Vanessa was conspicuously absent from dinner. Helena Bennett pressed her father. "You still haven't explained why you transferred all your shares to Vanessa. Is she truly capable of handling such responsibility?"

"I find her too young and impulsive. If that fifty-billion loan gets approved, Bennett Holdings faces tremendous danger for the next two years," worried Penelope added.

Gregory Carlisle sighed heavily. "I would oppose it, but I have no voice anymore. Not a single share remains with me."

"Don't worry. The bank likely won't approve such an enormous loan," Philip Bennett attempted to reassure them.

Henry Bennett listened silently, deep in thought. Why would Vanessa take such a colossal gamble? This decision would either save or destroy the company! She had already kidnapped Caleb. What wouldn't she do? Vanessa sought to prove her capability. She wanted to restore her reputation. As the Bennett heiress, the group's bankruptcy served no benefit to her. Just as Henry prepared to speak, the dining room door swung open. Click! All eyes turned toward the entrance. Vanessa stood framed in the doorway.