?Chapter 1162:


    His tone wasn’t raised, but each word struck like a pin to the skin, sharp enough to drain the color from the attendees’ faces, then send the flush right back in.


    “In those three years, Ms. Hudson gave everything she had to thispany. Are your eyes so clouded you can’t even see that? The Castro family stands firmly behind her. Whatever she chooses, we’ll back it without question. As for the chairperson title, that’s something for her and Mr. Wall to decide—not you. The role might look prestigious, but maybe you should take a hard look at yourselves first. Out of everyone in this room, who is truly qualified to shoulder that responsibility?”


    And with that, ine walked straight over to the head seat without breaking stride.


    That polished mahogany chair—symbolic of Wall Group’s highest power—sat empty and waiting.


    With a swift motion, he brought his palm down on the chair’s back, the echo filling the silent room.


    No one dared break the hush that followed.


    The elders, who’d once used their years as a shield, now sat frozen, as if their voices had been cut off at the source.


    ine, seeing their stunned silence, felt a spark of satisfaction.


    These old bastards had made a sport out of bullying the vulnerable. If he didn’t put them in their ce, they’d soon forget who was really in charge.


    “If any of you are so convinced you’re gifted and brilliant enough to take on the chairperson role, that’s perfectly fine. Just leave me out of it—and stop dragging Sadie into your schemes. Go straight to my grandfather instead. Lay out your grand ambitions in front of him and find out for yourselves if he’s on board with them.”


    Hearing those words sent an even deeper wave of fear across the room, leaving every face looking more shaken than before.


    No one was foolish enough to seek out Ralph.


    Trying to confront him would be the same as inviting disaster.


    Even in retirement, Ralph’s reputation as a business titan lingered, his authority undiminished.


    Everyone in the room knew that the bond between him and Sadie’s grandfather ran deep, and he had always treated Sadie as if she were his own flesh and blood.


    Speaking against Sadie or making a grab for the chairperson’s seat would only earn Ralph’s wrath—and he wouldn’t hesitate to toss anyone out on the spot. Watching the senior executives wilt under the pressure, ine felt a cold satisfaction twist inside him.


    He didn’t spare another nce at the nervous shareholders as he strode from the room.


    Samuel was quick to trail after him, his footsteps light, shooting ine a silent thumbs-up in admiration.


    Though ine could be lighthearted most days, when it counted, his sharp tongue and cool authority turned the tide.


    None of the shareholders could match his presence ormand.


    Yet, a flicker of unease still tugged at Samuel’s mind.


    Could those people, burned by ine’s words, really try their luck byining to Ralph?


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