BANG!

An elderly shareholder with graying hair and deeply lined features slammed his palm onto the conference table.

He pointed an accusing finger at Director Silvester, his voice trembling with anger.

"Director Silvester! Do you not remember how you got where you are today?"

"It was Little Vivienne’s father who promoted you."

"And this is how you repay his kindness?"

"So you’ve finally shown your true colors..."

"All because he’s no longer with us here you decide to disrespect his generous acts for your family?"

"This... this is nothing short of betrayal!"

"Cough... cough..."

The old man leaned back in his chair, pressing a hand against his chest as he struggled to steady his breathing.

Everyone present knew Benjamin Caldwell intended to challenge Vivienne’s authority today.

But seeing Director Silvester become the first person to openly attack her still left many of the company’s older shareholders deeply disappointed.

To them...

It was the behavior of an ungrateful man.

Everyone inside the company knew the truth.

The medical products manufactured by Octaveo Pharmaceutical had never suffered from quality issues.

So why had several major hospitals suddenly terminated their partnerships?

It wasn’t because the products had failed.

It was because someone inside the company had been quietly pulling strings from the shadows.

The real target had never been the business.

It had always been Vivienne.

Director Silvester’s face flushed red after being publicly scolded, but he quickly composed himself.

Raising his chin, he spoke with unwavering confidence.

"Personal feelings are one thing. Business is another. We can’t let them mix with each other. That leads to irrational decisions."

"We’re discussing the company’s future and its profitability."

"We cannot allow sentiment to cloud our judgment."

"I’m not only thinking about the interests of the shareholders."

"I’m thinking about every employee who depends on Octaveo Pharmaceutical for a living."

"And about the company’s future."

His righteous tone made him sound like a man carrying the weight of everyone on his shoulders.

Unfortunately...

Almost everyone present knew exactly what kind of person he really was.

Greedy.

Opportunistic.

And willing to change sides whenever money was involved.

"Enough!"

A stern voice suddenly echoed across the room.

To everyone’s surprise, the person who interrupted Director Silvester wasn’t Vivienne.

It was Benjamin Caldwell.

Even Luca raised an eyebrow slightly.

A moment later, understanding flashed across his eyes.

What an old fox.

Benjamin didn’t want to seize power by force.

He wanted everyone else to beg him to accept it.

Benjamin slowly rose from his seat and sighed.

"Director Silvester."

"Those words are too harsh."

"Chairwoman Vivienne is indeed facing many challenges, but she’s still young."

"She simply lacks experience."

"If we give her enough time, I’m sure she’ll eventually lead Octaveo Pharmaceutical to even greater success."

His words sounded like a defense.

Yet every sentence subtly emphasized Vivienne’s inexperience.

Without openly criticizing her, he had quietly planted seeds of doubt throughout the room.

Several previously neutral shareholders lowered their heads in thought.

Over the past year, their dividends had barely increased.

Compared to the era of the former chairman, the returns were far from satisfactory.

How much longer were they expected to wait?

One year?

Three years?

Five?

Gradually, some began reconsidering Director Silvester’s proposal.

Perhaps...

A change in leadership wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

Benjamin caught the subtle changes in their expressions.

A trace of satisfaction flickered through his eyes.

Without saying a word, he shot Director Silvester a discreet glance.

Silvester immediately understood.

His expression became pitiful as he clasped his hands together.

"General Manager Caldwell..."

"It’s not that I’m deliberately targeting the chairwoman."

"But my family is struggling."

"We small shareholders simply can’t keep waiting forever."

Then, as though a brilliant idea had suddenly occurred to him, his eyes widened.

"That’s right!"

"General Manager Caldwell, you’ve managed the company’s daily operations for years."

"You’re familiar with every department."

"You’re also the company’s second-largest shareholder."

"In terms of qualifications and experience..."

"No one is more suitable to become chairman than you."

After saying that, he immediately raised his voice.

"I nominate General Manager Caldwell as the next chairman of Octaveo Pharmaceutical!"

"We ask Manager Caldwell to lead the company to new heights!"

The shareholders aligned with Benjamin immediately echoed the proposal.

"I agree!"

"I fully support Manager Caldwell!"

"Josh Miller votes in favor!"

One after another, voices of approval filled the conference room.

Benjamin looked visibly conflicted.

He waved his hands modestly, as though trying to decline.

After a long pause, he finally turned toward Vivienne.

"Chairwoman Vivienne..."

"What are your thoughts?"

Vivienne quietly watched Benjamin’s flawless performance.

Inside, she felt a chill.

She had always known Benjamin wanted her position.

So did every senior executive in the company.

For years, the two sides had maintained a delicate balance through their respective shareholdings and supporters.

But today...

Benjamin had cleverly used shareholder interests as his weapon.

Without directly attacking her, he had successfully persuaded several neutral shareholders to lean toward his side.

A truly dangerous old fox.

Vivienne slowly swept her gaze across Benjamin and the shareholders supporting him.

Then...

Without the slightest trace of panic, she picked up a thick stack of documents and calmly tossed them onto the conference table.

"General Manager Caldwell."

"I suggest everyone reads these first..."

"Then we’ll discuss my opinion."

Her calm composure caught many people off guard.

Several executives assumed she was merely putting on a brave face.

Benjamin Caldwell, however, didn’t think so.

No one understood an enemy better than another enemy.

He knew Vivienne wasn’t the type to bluff.

If she remained this composed under such overwhelming pressure...

Then she must already have a way to turn the situation around.

Only moments earlier, her expression had been as calm as a still lake.

That alone had already given Benjamin an uneasy feeling.

Now, as his eyes landed on the thick stack of documents lying on the table...

His heartbeat suddenly skipped.

His eyelids twitched involuntarily.

For the first time that morning...

The confident smile on his face began to crack.