Chapter 1050: stronger than ever!

"I am acknowledging Jonathan Pierson as part of the Pierson Family," Zoren announced. He scanned everyone’s reactions and added, "Moreover, it is the chairwoman’s wish to have him learn about the company and the family."

A wave of silence settled over the meeting room, allowing Zoren’s cold statement to linger. Dean quickly slammed his hand on the table, shattering the silence.

"Nonsense!" Dean roared. "If accepting illegitimate children into our family and making them public is something we’d do, then wouldn’t that be a problem for our family?"

"I’m afraid I have to agree with Director Dean," some others chimed in sternly. "This board is aware of certain personal issues within the Pierson Family. However, as long as it doesn’t affect the company, we can turn a blind eye to them. This, however, is a different matter."

"Imagine other people claiming to be part of the Pierson Family just because they think being acknowledged will give them a free pass to the company," another member added, pounding his fist against the table.

"CEO Pierson, there have been a few other illegitimate children in this family, and if they think you support this, it wouldn’t be good for any of us!"

"The family is one thing, but the company is another. The Pierson Family promised to protect and prioritize the Pierson Corporation above all else!"

"Do you have another way to handle this news?" Another board member scowled. "Ignoring this will only make it worse!"

"And releasing a statement, acknowledging an illegitimate child, and letting him into the company will make it twice as big!"

In an instant, everyone expressed their thoughts, and the room became a full debate. Half of the attendees argued that Jonathan shouldn’t be publicly acknowledged, fearing it would complicate matters. The other half expressed support, arguing that it would be best to divert public scrutiny.

William smirked and let the debate unfold, casting Jonathan a knowing look. ’See what I’ve done here?’

If you look closely, William and Zoren were actually on the same side. After all, Zoren had announced Jonathan’s acknowledgment, which was exactly what William wanted.

Jonathan gave William an approving smile, satisfied with how he had played the situation. Putting the news out there wasn’t just to start the discussion — it was also to force everyone to decide on their next course of action.

Though not everyone in the room was on William’s side, every single person shared one common ground: the Pierson Corporation.

"Don’t worry," William reassured quietly, his voice nearly lost amid the ongoing argument. "Whether they like it or not, those guys from the First Branch won’t have a choice in the end. They’re just fighting because they’re scared that their precious Dean Pierson might fade into the background."

"Please don’t say that, Uncle," Jonathan humored him. "I’m sure Dean Pierson will eventually play the game once he stops getting hung up on his current obsession."

"What do you mean by that?"

Jonathan didn’t answer, slowly lifting his eyes to where Dean was sitting. When William noticed, he also glanced in Dean’s direction.

Dean remained silent, glaring in their direction with a sharp gaze. Seeing his expression, William smirked smugly, trying to irritate him further.

’He really is trying to get bitten,’ Dean thought, his mouth parting slightly as he caught a glimpse of Zoren from the corner of his eye. Shifting his gaze to where Zoren was seated, he noticed the brief smile in Zoren’s eyes as he watched everything unfold with amusement.

’Why...?’

The smile in Zoren’s eyes was fleeting, but the amusement remained. It was as though he was enjoying the chaos.

’Now that I think about it, he’s just letting this argument go on,’ Dean thought. ’Normally, he’d let them vent for a few minutes. But this has been going on longer than usual. It’s like he’s waiting for something...’

Dean arched a brow and leaned back, running his tongue across his inner cheek. "Fine, just do that."

His sudden comment halted the debate, and everyone turned to him.

"Director Dean, what are you saying now?" someone from the First Branch asked in displeasure.

"Let’s release a statement recognizing Jonathan Russel as a Pierson," Dean said, his eyes now on William and Jonathan.

William almost laughed, taking this as Dean’s surrender. However, Jonathan narrowed his eyes suspiciously. One should know that Dean wasn’t the type to give up. If anything, Dean might be the smartest in the room, but he was also the most stubborn. Jonathan knew that even if the truth was right in front of Dean, if the latter didn’t like it, he would still deny it.

"What is he up to now?" Jonathan whispered, only to hear William snicker.

"He’s giving up. There’s no way there’s anything he can do at this point," William said, clearing his throat as he rose from his seat. Taking on the demeanor of someone in charge, he began to speak magnanimously. "Everyone, please calm down. I understand everyone’s concerns. However, I can assure you that the Pierson Family has always, and will always, prioritize the company above everything else."

He paused, sporting a sincere look as he scanned the room. "Since this is a decision made by CEO Pierson, we should trust him, just as we did when we entrusted him with everything six years ago. Besides, didn’t he say it was the chairwoman’s decision to train Enzo’s other son in the ins and outs of the company?"

"That means not only does the CEO accept Enzo’s illegitimate son, but the chairwoman gave her blessing as well!" he continued, spreading his arms wide. "Since the chairwoman is retiring, I’m sure she’s taken everything into consideration. As she steps down, I believe this decision ensures that even though she’s stepping down, she wanted to make sure the Pierson Corporation and the Pierson Family stay united—stronger than ever!"