Chapter 298: Chapter 298

Chapter 298:

Bryan remained resolute.

“Mr. Dawson, Brandon has called for a shareholders meeting. He’s accusing you of risking everything for a woman and claiming you’re unfit to lead Apex Group. He’s rallying support to have Zola take over major projects,” Raymond said.

If Brandon succeeded, it meant gaining a trusted ally within Apex Group, potentially stripping Bryan of his authority.

Bryan let out a dismissive laugh. “Let him try. I’m ready for whatever comes.”

“Mr. Dawson,” Raymond was anxious. “Have you thought about the consequences? Apex Group thrives under your leadership; it isn’t equipped to handle this. If you yield now, you’ll be at Brandon’s mercy in the future.”

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting light on Bryan’s chest. His expression turned serious, his brows furrowing with deep concern. He glanced outside, seemingly indifferent to Raymond’s plea. The coldness in his eyes deepened.

Raymond was desperate. Bryan’s personal turmoil remained shrouded in mystery, leaving everyone puzzled about the abrupt cancellation of the wedding.

But word had spread about Bryan’s willingness to risk everything for Eileen.

This news stirred up trouble within Apex Group, and Brandon’s actions had turned many against Bryan.

Raymond had tried to talk to Stella several times, but she blamed herself for Bryan’s situation and felt powerless to help.

Their hopes now hung in uncertainty, waiting on fate’s whims.

galησνeℓs.cøm is your update source Rumors whispered about changes in the Dawson family, signaling Bryan’s potential downfall.

Jacob arrived with an elaborate lunch. Catching sight of Raymond’s somber expression, he raised an eyebrow. “What’s going on? Another twist from that troublemaker in the Dawson family?”

Raymond paused, then told Jacob, “Mr. Meyer, I need your help to persuade Mr. Dawson.”

“Alright, you can leave now.” Jacob carefully set the lunch on the table. Once Raymond had left, he leaned closer to Bryan and spoke. “So, are you planning to stay like this forever? If Brandon gains control of the Dawson family, who knows what’ll happen to you?”

Bryan stayed silent, starting to eat.

Despite his apparent despair, Jacob couldn’t help but notice Bryan’s regular habit of eating three meals a day, which seemed contradictory to his troubled state. But if Bryan truly wanted to move forward in life, he wouldn’t ignore the chaos brewing at Apex Group.

“If you’re that disengaged from it all, maybe I shouldn’t bother telling you who was behind the chandelier incident that night…” Jacob sat down on the sofa and retrieved his phone.

Before he could unlock his phone, Bryan swiftly grabbed it from him. Standing barefoot in front of Jacob, Bryan looked down and said firmly, “Cut the crap; just tell me.”

“Alright, alright,” Jacob relented. “It was Kian.” Investigating the incident had turned out to be quite a struggle. The hotel staff were easily swayed with bribes, and digging deeper hadn’t uncovered anything useful.

By chance, Jacob had bumped into Benjamin, who had mentioned that Kian had once told him to send money to someone. Further digging had revealed this person was related to one of the bribed hotel staff members.

Bryan threw the phone aside, his eyes glinting with determination. He swiftly finished his meal and wiped his mouth. “Bring Raymond back.”

“What’s your plan?” Jacob asked, concern evident in his voice. “Kian ruined my wedding, and I’ll get back at him. But you’re now…”

With the Apex Group in chaos, picking a fight with the Warren family could spell disaster for Bryan.

Bryan remained composed, casually twitching his wrist without looking Jacob’s way. He repeated firmly, “Bring Raymond back.”

“Okay.” Jacob had no option but to summon Raymond back. He lingered, curious about Bryan’s next course of action.

But Bryan instructed Raymond to escort him out, firmly ushering him out of the ward.

“Proceed with the plan against the Warren family,” his voice devoid of warmth.

Raymond pressed his lips together and then said, “Yes, and for Apex Group… Can I arrange for you to participate in the shareholders’ meeting via video?” He hoped Bryan would act to mitigate the impending disaster.

“Sure, set it up!” This time, Bryan didn’t object. After Raymond left, he sat in contemplative silence before placing a call.

It wasn’t clear who he spoke with, but the man on the other end listened attentively and addressed him respectfully as “Mr. Dawson.”

“Make sure to inform the shareholders about the meeting.” The highly anticipated shareholders’ meeting quickly arrived.

Bryan’s face appeared on the large screen, looking pale and exhausted, revealing the strain of his illness.

Unaware of Bryan’s virtual presence, Brandon furrowed his brow momentarily before regaining his composure. “A CEO has to take responsibility. Risking everything for a woman and then falling into despair… If I’m not pushing for his removal, it’s only because of family ties.

How many projects have been delayed in his absence? Without strong leadership, Apex Group will…” Brandon said firmly.

Seated confidently in Bryan’s usual seat, Brandon paid no mind to the screen behind him. His impassioned speech prompted murmurs of agreement from several shareholders.

Feeling satisfied with his influence, Brandon let out a sigh of relief. He was convinced he had persuaded enough people, trusting others would come to understand the current situation.

He knew the main reason Bryan remained in the CEO’s position was his authority. Neither Zola nor he could fully take over Apex Group’s leadership.

His aim at the meeting wasn’t just to immediately remove Bryan but rather to pave the way for Zola to gain significant influence. Their strategy aimed to gradually undermine Bryan’s position until his removal was inevitable.

“Zola has extensive international experience and strong capabilities,” Brandon stated confidently. “She can certainly lead Apex Group out of its current challenges. I think the pros and cons are clear, so let’s proceed with the vote.”

With a nod to Lydia, Brandon gestured for her to distribute paper and pens.

“Everyone, don’t be nervous,” Brandon reassured the shareholders. “This is an anonymous vote, so there’s no need to fear any repercussions.”

Upon hearing this, Zola breathed a sigh of relief. In such uncertain times, avoiding conflict was crucial, and anonymous voting provided a safe option.

Shareholders began casting their votes on whether Zola should take charge of Apex Group’s major projects. However, Zola herself wasn’t pleased with how things were unfolding.

Things weren’t going according to her plan. She had hoped that by pushing Eileen away and confessing her feelings for Bryan to Stella, she could convince Stella to let her marry Bryan for the sake of business.

Believing Bryan would prioritize the bigger picture, she had planned for their marriage to win his favor, and then she would turn against Brandon and Lydia.

Perhaps in time, Bryan might soften towards her or at least acknowledge her efforts. Either way, Bryan wouldn’t leave her.

That way, she would achieve her goal.

But now, neither Stella nor Bryan had reacted according to her plan. Bryan now resented her, and with his injury, Lydia and Brandon had altered their strategy.

They no longer pushed for a marriage but sought control of Apex Group eagerly.

At this rate, they might abandon the marriage plan altogether and let her take over Apex Group, preparing it for Travis.

Zola clenched her hands tightly under the table, her gaze fixed on the impassive figure on the screen.

She couldn’t defy Brandon and Lydia. Bryan was her last hope, but…

She felt anxious and lost now.

In less than five minutes, the voting concluded. Zola gathered the ballots and asked a senior executive from Apex Group to announce the results.

The votes teetered back and forth, each count bringing heightened tension.

With thirty-nine votes in total, the tally remained deadlocked at the thirty-eighth vote.

Zola held her breath, praying the final vote would go against her, forcing Brandon to reconsider marrying her to Bryan.

But luck wasn’t on her side. The last vote tipped in favor of her assuming power, narrowly giving Brandon the victory.

Brandon exchanged a satisfied glance with Lydia before standing and turning around, his demeanor smug as he faced Bryan.

“The majority has spoken,” Brandon declared confidently. “The shareholders have made their decision. There’s no point in resisting now. Some projects will shift to Zola’s control. Get things organized quickly.”

Bryan said nothing, finally lifting his eyes to look at the shareholders, who avoided his stare.

After a pause, he said coldly, “Let me be clear. From now on, Zola Murray will hold Apex Group’s fate in her hands. I wash my hands of any responsibility. If anything goes awry, Brandon, you’ll compensate the shareholders by giving up your shares in Apex Group.” He demanded Brandon relinquish his shares outright!

Brandon hesitated, reluctant to give an answer.

“What if Zola actually turns Apex Group around?” Lydia countered, her voice sharp with challenge. “Will you then make up for your negligence to the shareholders, Bryan?”

Bryan’s lips twisted into a mocking smile. “Let’s bet on it. If she succeeds in stabilizing Apex Group, I’ll give up my shares and step down as CEO. But if she fails, you’ll hand your shares back to Apex Group.”

Zola felt a weight settle heavily on her shoulders. She hadn’t anticipated becoming the focal point in Bryan and Brandon’s power struggle over Apex Group.

An unsettling feeling crept over her, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint its origin.

Before Brandon could reply, Lydia swiftly intervened, saying, “There’s no rush to decide now. Let’s take a few days to think it over and give you our answer. We’ll also inform the shareholders of our decision. How does that sound?”

“Coward!” Bryan spat out the word in disgust and abruptly terminated the video call.

Brandon glared furiously at the now dark screen and hurled the object in his hand at the monitor.

Despite his serious injury and the doctor’s orders for a two-week hospital stay, Bryan grew restless after just one week.

He pushed the laptop aside with a sigh and summoned Raymond to arrange his discharge.

“Mr. Dawson, your wound hasn’t healed completely,” Raymond said, disagreeing with the idea.

But Bryan was already getting dressed, adjusting the thick bandages around his chest where faint stains of blood still lingered.

Unwavering, he said, “Jacob’s hosting a dinner tonight with close friends. I’m going.”

“Are you going to socialize or to see Ms. Curtis?”

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