Chapter 1058: I don’t think this is over — I haven’t even started.

The congratulatory greetings to Atlas came nonstop as he shook hands with each person. Even those who hadn’t voted for him had to smile and offer him flowery words. After the routine of handshakes, Benjamin announced the date when Atlas would officially take his seat, and everyone responded with kind applause.

As for William, he had to sit there and watch it all unfold while seething with anger.

"Again, congratulations to the new member of this board, Mr. Atlas Bennet," Benjamin flashed Atlas a smile while the applause continued. "We are all delighted to have you here."

Having said that, Zoren gave his closing remarks. Standing from his seat, he provided a brief overview of what everyone should expect in the coming days, earning everyone’s approval.

And just like that, the meeting concluded.

"Congratulations again, Mr. Bennet. I’ll be seeing you a lot," one of the shareholders stopped by the door, facing Atlas, who was standing there to bid everyone farewell.

Atlas lowered his head politely, sending everyone off as a courtesy. It had been a while since he had to do this; the last time was when he was appointed as the CEO of Global Prime Logistics.

Not nostalgic at all.

Atlas exchanged short replies with everyone who stopped in front of him, offering words of expectation or encouragement. After a while, Atlas raised his brows as Dean suddenly stopped in front of him.

"What?" he asked flatly.

Dean smiled and shrugged, and instead of leaving, he walked to Atlas’s side and joined him. "Let me join you for a bit," he said. "I’m here because I want to see someone off."

"..." Atlas studied Dean as the latter shoved his hands into his pockets. He shrugged and snapped his eyes toward the door.

There, walking out, were some familiar faces from this morning’s encounter.

"He... he..." one of William’s lackeys chuckled nervously as they stopped in front of Atlas. "Congratulations, Mr. Bennet, on being appointed as the new COO of the company!"

"Yes! We’re really glad you got this position. For sure, our Pierson Corporation will reach greater heights with you here!"

"You deserved it very much!"

Atlas’s expression remained unchanged as he stared at the three men who, just this morning, had mocked him and Allen. Even during the meeting, they had actively opposed him and even questioned him on a personal level — it was insulting. But now, here they were, smiling at him and offering words of approval.

"Mr. Bennet, I’m aware that we were actively questioning the sudden announcement earlier, but now that it’s come to this, let’s work together," one of the group remarked. "We are all part of the Pierson Corporation, so we are now part of the same family!"

"I hope you don’t take our actions as personal attacks," the other chimed in. "We simply did what we thought was right at the time. But now that the board has decided, we hope to work together in the future in harmony."

They laughed and tapped Atlas’s shoulder lightly. But when Atlas didn’t respond, their smiles stiffened, and they cleared their throats.

Taking a step toward them, Atlas paused as they suddenly flinched. To keep them from running away, he flashed them a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

"Of course," he said, standing in front of the person who had actively attacked him earlier. He carefully brushed the director’s shoulder with the back of his hand, lowering his head while keeping his eyes up. "I understand that you only stood your ground and questioned not only my work ethic but also my life."

"I understand all of it, Director." The side of his mouth hooked into a slight smirk while the other side curved down. "So, I hope you also try to understand me when I start asking questions. Let’s all work in harmony. I’m looking forward to it."

He raised his brows briefly, taking a step back. This time, his friendly smile remained as he watched them straighten their backs and clear their throats. They flashed Atlas one last strange smile before walking away, holding on to the last shred of dignity they had left.

"I didn’t know you could smile," Dean pointed out while Atlas watched the three leave.

Slowly, Atlas cast him a sidelong glance. "If my smile surprises you, maybe you should start questioning whether you deserve a seat on the board, or if it’s time to retire."

"Don’t fight me. I voted for you," Dean shrugged.

Atlas shook his head and turned on his heel, about to go back inside now that he had sent everyone off. But instead of just leaving Dean, he stopped after taking a step.

"Dean Pierson, voting for me might be something you’ll regret," he glanced over his shoulder, eyes glinting sharply. "I’m saying this because my little brother thinks highly of you. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll let anyone off the moment they start thinking of harming my family."

Having said his piece, Atlas resumed walking, leaving Dean staring at his back.

"Hah." Dean scoffed, shaking his head mildly. "What a jerk."

At the same time, William was leaving the meeting room as he was the last to leave. For some reason, instead of leaving first because he had lost face in front of everyone, he stayed. He felt like having a heart attack earlier and had frozen in place.

But now that he had mustered the strength to leave, he stormed directly toward Atlas. Stopping in front of him, he scoffed.

"Atlas Bennet, if you think this is over, you’re wrong," he spat out. "If I were you, I’d watch everything you do because once I see you fail, I’m kicking you out of here."

William huffed and resumed his steps, not planning to stay any longer.

"Director William," Atlas called after a few steps, looking back at him. He waited for William to look back before grinning brightly. "You’re right and wrong about earlier."

"Huh?"

"Zoren Pierson or Penny wouldn’t take me in and risk sharing that burden with me. I don’t want them to carry such a burden either. However, that doesn’t mean no one is willing to share that burden," Atlas said, for the first time smiling until his eyes squinted. He then strutted toward William, stopping just a step away. "That person is the Old Madam."

He leaned over slightly, his hands in his pockets. "And yes, I don’t think this is over — I haven’t even started. Watch everything you do, William Pierson. Be mindful of every step you make, and every breath you take. I’m watching, counting, waiting."

"You—" William’s breath hitched, and he touched his nape as his face turned red. He clenched his teeth, telling himself not to drag this on. In the end, William huffed and walked away. But as he walked past the door, Dean was leaning against it.

"Oh, Uncle!" Dean straightened his back, his eyes shining with amusement. "Are you okay? You look so red! Are you finally having a heart attack?"

"You brat!" William barked, his nostrils flaring as he stormed away, furious.

Dean shrugged and took languid steps, following William’s figure with his eyes. "Well, staying for a bit was worth it. I hope he makes it to the office... or not." Having said that, Dean glanced at the meeting room and left without idling any longer.