Chapter 482
A few minority shareholders could not contain their dissatisfaction and started inciting others. “Yesterday, I thought
Mr. Everett was joking, but it turns out he actually handed over the position of president to his ex–wifel” one of
them exclaimed.
“Yes, Mr. Everett even confirmed it in front of the media. It’s absolutely reckless, another shareholder remarked.
Another shareholder glanced at Liam’s face and cautiously asked, “Mr. Lurk, what should we do? The Everett Group
is such a large enterprise with investments in no less than a hundred companies. Now, with a woman in charge, is it
safe?”
“Exactly, in terms of qualifications and capabilities, it would be more appropriate to entrust this position to Mr. Lurk.
Mr. Everett’s decision is simply a careless move. He is treating the future of the Everett Group as a joke!” one of the
shareholders criticized.
Several minority shareholders turned their gaze toward Liam in unison. “Mr. Lurk, how about… you talk to Mr.
Everett about this?” one of them suggested.
Liam sat with his hands folded, his originally kind and amiable face now dark and gloomy.
Bruce, his nephew, had consistently shown a dismissive and apathetic attitude towards him, never valuing their
relationship. Attempting to convince Bruce to do something would undoubtedly result in an unfavorable outcome.
“How could 1 persuade Bruce? He has never consulted me regarding his plans,” Liam sarcastically remarked.
“This is troublesome! Hundreds of companies are now preparing to file a joint lawsuit against the Everett Group. If
Mr. Everett goes through with this, we’ll have to deal with this mess!” the shareholders lamented.
A sharp–minded director had an idea. “How about this? When Mr. Everett arrives later, we all work together to
oppose him handing over the position of president to Joanna Haynes!” the director proposed.
“Yes, yes! If we persist in our opposition, Mr. Everett definitely will not go against everyone’s wishes. At that time,
we can all recommend Mr. Lurk as the new president!” another shareholder added.
“Alright, let’s agree on that. When the time comes, we all speak up together, and nobody should back down,” the
director said.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“Good,
you speak up first, and we’ll immediately follow suit!” one of the shareholders suggested.
The sharp–minded director became anxious upon hearing this.
“How can that work? If we’re all supposed to speak up together, why should I be the first? Are you trying to use me
as a scapegoat? If we’re supposed to speak up together, nobody should try to avoid it…” the director said as he
hurriedly refused.
Just as they were discussing, the door to the conference room was pushed open.
Andy walked in with a serious expression. “Mr. Everett has arrived. Let’s all remain quiet,” he informed.
Upon hearing this, everyone hurriedly straightened their postures, no longer daring to discuss or complain.
Joanna began to feel inexplicably nervous at the conference room entrance, her heart pounding rapidly. “Bruce,”
she whispered, her voice filled with unease, I’m still a bit nervous. Will they give me a hard time later?”
Bruce chuckled and adjusted the collar of her shirt as he quietly encouraged her. “Don’t worry,” he said teasingly,
“if anyone gives you a hard time, just summon the courage you had when you confronted me before.”
He leaned closer and added, “You dared to challenge me, so why would you be afraid of them? Come on, show me
a fierce look!”
Joanna glared at him. “It’s already such a critical moment, and you still have the mood to joke?” she retorted, her
frustration. evident.
“Relax, Bruce said, his tone half–joking and half–serious. “No matter how formidable they are, can they be more
formidable than me? Why would you be afraid of them if you dared to challenge even me?”
He smiled mischievously and continued. “If anyone gives you a hard time, just hit back fiercely. If you can’t win in
an argument–resort to physical confrontation. There will always be a way, alright?”
Joanna was speechless at his suggestion. “Oh my, let’s stop with the jokes!” she exclaimed, exasperated. “What
you’re suggesting is just tantrums and acting out. I’m not a shrew!”
“It’s alright. I believe in you!” Bruce said, his voice reassuring. “You were fierce when you hit and bit me. If I did not
even dare to fight back. Would they dare to fight you?”
Joanna frowned, her face filled with exasperation. “Can’t you be serious? I’m talking to you seriously. Why do you
have to babble?” she questioned helplessly.
“Let’s go! Who would dare to give you a hard time with me around?” Bruce said, his voice full of confidence. “Even
if they do, they’ll have to wait until I’m dead! Let’s see who dares to touch you as long as I’m alive!” Despite his
joking tone, his words had an underlying aura of dominance.
Chapter 482
Inside the conference room, silence reigned.
The people present resembled courtiers awaiting the arrival of a monarch, each wearing a solemn expression.
Bruce entered, his face sharply defined like a deck of cards, emanating a cold and intimidating aura that made
people
retreat.
“Good morning. Mr. Everett!” the shareholders greeted in unison.
“Good day, everyone!” Bruce said in a commanding voice as he walked directly towards the president’s seat.
Joanna followed suit, but her confidence seemed somewhat lacking. …Hello, everyone!” she greeted, her voice
slightly
uncertain.
The others were taken aback, their gazes turning unfriendly as they stared at Joanna silently.
The Everett Group employed only the most exceptional individuals. The directors and managers within the
company were all competent and accomplished.
However, they now found themselves confronted with an unexpected and challenging situation: they were required
to answer to a notorious woman who was perceived as less qualified and experienced. Unquestionably, this sudden
turn of events left every single one of them reluctant to embrace the new reality.
Bruce took his seat in the president’s position, with Liam, the second–largest shareholder, sitting beside him.
The seats in the boardroom were arranged in descending order, with the smallest shareholder sitting the furthest
away from Bruce.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Move back, make room for Miss Haynes!” Bruce commanded in an authoritative voice, as he glanced at Liam and
motioned for him to give up his seat for Joanna.
Bruce had never had much fondness for his uncle.
Moreover, Liam had a significant connection to his father’s death.
Although no direct evidence proved Liam was the culprit, Bruce had always suspected his uncle’s involvement.
Seeing Bruce’s lack of regard for him, Liam’s eyes narrowed, his anger ready to explode on the spot. However, he
managed to restrain himself, standing up with a sullen expression and motioning for the third–largest shareholder
to move back.
As a result, more than twenty shareholders stood up and shifted their seats back.
Seeing the vacant seat, Bruce’s expression remained indifferent as he gestured for Joanna to sit. “Please, take a
seat,” he said, his voice calm but firm.
Joanna felt a tightness in her scalp, feeling extremely awkward.
Because of her, more than twenty people had given up their seats. But now she could not refuse to sit, so she
reluctantly took the seat recently vacated by Liam.
Bruce’s face turned stern, and he said, “Yesterday, I spoke about this matter, and I believe you all understand.”
He paused briefly before continuing, “Miss Haynes will now be the new president of the Everett Group. I hope you
will cooperate well with Miss Haynes in the future. By the end of this month, I will complete the handover of all
tasks. From now on, if you have anything to report, go directly to Miss Haynes.”
Upon hearing this, everyone felt as if a fishbone was stuck in their throats.
Liam glanced at the sharp–minded director, signaling him to take the lead in opposing Bruce’s decision.
Understanding the signal, the sharp–minded director, Mr. Young, smiled and cautiously spoke up. “Mr. Everett, can I
interject?” he asked, his voice tentative.
Bruce’s eyes flashed, and he immediately declined, his tone resolute. “I have not finished yet. Later, I’ll give you all
time to express your opinions. I know everyone must have objections to my decision and concerns about Miss
Haynes‘ abilities. I can vouch for her character, and she is absolutely capable of being the president of the Everett
Group,” he said firmly.