Chapter 83

Chapter 83

“We were able to stop any reports as of now, but Mr. Beaumont said anything could happen in the next 24 hours,” Miss Amores

said as she handed Sofia her report. Sofia already expected that the media would soon find out what happened. However, she

was still thankful for Alexander’s help.

She nodded in response before walking towards the boardroom where the shareholders were going to have their meeting to

decide the future of the company now that Eulanda was no longer capable of being the chairman.

“Sofia...”

Sofia stopped walking when she heard a woman’s voice behind her. “Miss Paine...” Sofia said.

“How is she?” Miss Paine did not beat around the bush. Right now, all major shareholders are aware of the accident.

“The doctors are currently observing her...” Sofia said. “We are hopeful.” However, she was made aware just this morning when

she woke up that even if Eulanda woke up, it would be impossible for her to become the woman she once was.

This was because of her age. She’s already in her seventies, and she was lucky to have even survived the accident!

“| hope that everything will go well...” Miss Paine said; her face was devoid of any makeup. It was also obvious that she decided

to dress in a simple manner, opposite to what she used to dress in the past. “Your grandmother and I... are friends.”

“| know,” Sofia nodded. “Shall we go inside?”

“Of course.”

The two women then walked inside the boardroom, and just as expected, the others were already there, waiting for them.

“Sofia...” Lawrence said concern etched across his face. “How are you holding up?” he asked as he approached her.

“lam fine... thank you,” Sofia found her seat. She could feel everyone’s gaze on her but chose to ignore the pressure that came

along with it. “Is everyone here?”

“Yes...” Mr. Lee said. Just like Miss Paine, the others seemed to have somber expressions on their faces.

“Then let me start the meeting...” Lawrence got up. “Yesterday... our Chairman Eulanda Lockhart was involved in an accident.

She’s currently in the hospital. | am certain that most of you are aware of her current state?”

As always, Lawrence looked and sounded professional. He was calm and collected, not an iota of excitement could be seen in

his eyes. This man was good-too good!

Sofia noticed murmurs rippling through the room as Lawrence finished his statement. Mr. Lee cleared his throat, his voice

raspy.

“Mr. Lockhart, with all due respect, the board needs to know the full extent of Mrs. Lockhart’s condition. How long is she

expected to be out? Can you give us a timeframe?”

Sofia narrowed her eyes. It seems that Mr. Lee wanted her to tell everyone that her grandmother might not be waking up and if

she will, there is no way for her to work as the chairman!

Lawrence’s lips formed a thin line. “The doctors are still evaluating. However, they’ve made it clear that Mrs. Lockhart’s recovery,

if any, will be a lengthy process.”

“We understand the delicate situation, Mr. Lockhart. But the company needs stability. We need someone to step in and lead us

through this uncertain time,” Miss Paine said.

“Exactly. We need an interim CEO, someone who can handle the day-to-day operations until Mrs. Lockhart recovers, or...” Mr.

Anderson trailed off, his gaze landing towards Sofia.

Sofia sighed inwardly. While she understood that business is business, these people seemed very enthusiastic to change her

grandmother, right? These people knew Eulanda and Eunice for decades yet at the sign of trouble, they immediately turn

their back on them.

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Isn't this comical?

Sadly, this was reality. After all, this is a dog-eat-dog world.

As the silence stretched on, Lawrence finally spoke, his voice calm and measured. “I understand your concerns. And while |

believe Mrs. Lockhart would eventually resume her position, the board’s right to appoint an interim CEO is undeniable.”

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. “Therefore, after careful consideration, and with the sole purpose of

ensuring the company’s continued success, | am willing to take on the role of interim CEO until Mrs. Lockhart’s return.”

Immediately, murmurs washed over the room. However, Sofia remained calm. This was already within her expectations. Today,

she did not come here to create more chaos. She came here to witness this event so she could etch Lawrence's reaction inside

her head.

One by one, the shareholders voiced their agreement. Miss Paine, Mr. Lee, and even Mr. Anderson, all nodded in approval. Sofia

felt a cold wave of anger wash over her. To be honest, she expected one of them to voice out their concerns. But then again,

Lawrence was indeed perfect in his job.

This man must have been waiting for this to happen for such a long time. He played everyone so well-really well.

Right now, Sofia knew that there were no other options but to make this man the Interim CEO. Why, you ask? It was because of

Lawrence's exemplary performance. He played the role of a good husband, a good father, and a stepfather. He never showed

greed around the shareholders and the numbers were adding up.

He was good at his job, and as much as Sofia hated this man, numbers don’t lie. Sadly, the people inside these rooms only

cared about the numbers.

Soon enough, the discussion turned to public relations (PR). Miss Paine, known for her sharp marketing instincts, emphasized

the importance of crafting a carefully worded public statement about Eulanda’s accident. A collective nod of agreement followed.

Sofia knew Lawrence’s polished image and impressive track record would be crucial in maintaining investor confidence during

this turbulent time.

Finally, they delved into the specific content of the public statement. Hours flew by as they meticulously deliberated each word,

ensuring it conveyed the right message without revealing sensitive details.

By the time the meeting concluded, exhaustion settled over the room. Sofia, however, felt a different kind of weight. While she

acknowledged Lawrence’s capabilities, the power shift left a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Sofia?” Lawrence’s voice interrupted her stupor just as she got up to leave the room. The others already started leaving, and

she found no reason to stay in this place. “Do you have a minute?”

Sofia looked at Lawrence. “Is there something that you need?”

“| know there have been a few misunderstandings but... | would like to let you know that | am here... in case you need someone

to talk to.” Lawrence said, making sure that the others heard his words.

Sofia’s lips thinned, but she did not say another word. She was tempted to simply slap this two-faced man but she didn’t. “Thank

you,” she said. “I will keep that in mind.” At the end of the day, her image matters. Currently, she is not just Sofia Lockhart. She is

the only Lockhart who stands in between Lawrence and the power that he wants.

However, the moment the other shareholders left, Lawrence’s facade also fell. The kindness in his face vanished. “Aren’t you

going to congratulate me?” he asked.”

“Congratulate you for what?” Sofia asked. Isn’t this just an Interim CEO? A temporary position?

“Don't tell me you still hoped that Eulanda would survive? | mean... | meant no disrespect, but the woman has been around for

decades. Isn't it time for her to meet the creator?”

“You-”

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Chapter 83

“Go on...” Lawrence smirked, “Slap me,” he said in a challenging tone.

Sofia narrowed her eyes. This man was provoking her. She must have wanted to show everyone that Sofia could not handle

stress and therefore not suited to lead. “You will regret this,” Sofia said. “I promise you to make you regret everything that you did

to me, to my mother and my family!”

With that, Sofia turned around and strode out of the room.

AIN: | have done a lot of research and it turns out something like this is quite common in the business world. Shareholders will

devour you. People will smile at you and stab you in the back. However, you cannot even do anything about it if they are doing

their job well. T.T

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