Chapter 406

Chapter 406:

Andrew narrowed his eyes and asked, “Uncle, are you saying you want Corbett to be the CEO?”

Bruno didn’t hesitate. “Yes, your grandfather also mentioned that whoever sold more phones this time would be the CEO. Since Corbett’s sales are higher than yours, he should be the CEO. What do you think about that, Andrew?”

Andrew responded with cool indifference, “What do the others think?”

Bruno smirked, recognizing Andrew’s attempt to put pressure on the others. However, Bruno had already built good relationships with many of the directors, which could work in his favor.

“Andrew, since this is your grandfather’s request, we should follow his wishes. After all, he is the chairman of the board,” one director chimed in.

“Yes, Andrew, we acknowledge your efforts over the years. But now, in this technology era, if you don’t step down, the company could be in jeopardy,” another added.

“Andrew, you could take the role of vice president for the sake of the company’s growth.”

These directors all acted as if they were doing this for the good of the company.

Andrew quietly observed those who spoke, making a mental note of each one. He never would have realized just how many traitors were within the company if this situation hadn’t unfolded. Andrew could only guess how much Corbett had privately paid them to speak on his behalf.

Corbett leaned back in his chair, eyeing Andrew with disdain. The tables had finally turned. Andrew had been on top for years, but now it was his turn to take the lead. “Andrew, if you don’t object, let’s proceed with the vote, shall we?”

Andrew’s handsome face remained calm and composed as he said, “Okay.”

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Everyone was stunned by how quickly he agreed. The position of CEO of the Klein Group was highly coveted—how could Andrew be willing to give it up so easily? It didn’t seem possible that he would surrender without a fight.

The CEO’s assistant stood up and addressed the room. “We are now moving forward with the selection of the CEO for the Klein Group, who will also be the future chairman. Our candidates are Corbett and Andrew. I ask you now to raise your hand if you wish to cast your vote for Corbett. If the majority agrees, Corbett will be appointed as the CEO.”

After the assistant’s announcement, a few hands went up cautiously at first, and then, gaining momentum, more followed suit. A total of twenty-four members were present at this crucial meeting.

But only seven people had their hands raised in support of Corbett. Corbett scanned the room, his eyes narrowing as he noticed several directors quickly lowering their gazes, avoiding eye contact. He suddenly realized that the people he had secretly bribed and relied upon were not as trustworthy as he thought. They had promised to back him with their votes.

Corbett fumed silently.

“It seems there’s no need to drag this out any longer,” Andrew remarked, his tone dismissive and cool. His expression held a hint of contempt, and he carried himself with the commanding presence of someone who was born to lead.

Corbett shot back, “Maybe some have abstained. How can you be sure that more people are choosing you over me?”

Bruno chimed in, addressing the room, “We’ve all witnessed Corbett’s achievements. His performance has unquestionably outshone Andrew’s. What’s holding you back? Remember, it’s also my father’s wish that the more capable between them should inherit the company.” His words seemed to sway a few more in the room.

People had always feared Andrew, but if he was no longer the CEO of the Klein Group, what reason was there to be afraid of him?

Slowly, two more hands were raised. Now, a total of nine people were supporting Corbett.

Corbett curled his lips into a smirk. “Is that fear I see in your eyes?” he taunted.

“Fear? You think you inspire fear in me?” Andrew’s voice was cold, his demeanor utterly indifferent.

Suddenly, Corbett’s smugness faltered, replaced by a rush of humiliation. Damn that Andrew, always pretending to be so strong. Corbett couldn’t wait to see him knocked off his pedestal, to see if he could still keep up this charade once he was stripped of his power.

Just as Corbett was basking in his moment, someone abruptly grabbed his phone and announced, “Wait a moment. Things have changed.”

The entire room turned their attention toward him. The director holding the phone instructed, “Let’s project this directly onto the screen.”

The assistant approached and began projecting a video onto the large screen.

On the big screen, the victims of the phone explosion appeared, looking visibly uncomfortable. The woman addressed the camera with an apologetic tone, “I’m sorry, everyone. I must confess, I lied to you.”

Her husband gritted his teeth and added, “Our phone didn’t explode.”

Corbett’s frustration boiled over as he pounded the table and fixed Andrew with a glare. “So, that’s why you’re so unfazed. You bribed the couple, didn’t you?”

“Corbett, why are you so angry?” Andrew replied in a calm tone. “Even if I did bribe them, shouldn’t you be relieved that I’ve secured the company’s interests? Do you really want to see the stock price of the company continue to plummet?”

Corbett was left momentarily speechless. He knew that everyone here was relying on the company’s dividends.

Corbett retorted, “What happens if your bribe backfires and they turn against you? Can you handle that?”

“Can you please stop interrupting?” Andrew said, visibly irritated.

Realizing that everyone’s attention was on the live stream, Corbett grudgingly stopped speaking. Despite the setback, a smirk played at the corners of his mouth. Little did Andrew know, he had fallen right into Corbett’s trap!

Corbett had anticipated that Andrew would attempt to bribe the couple. So he had orchestrated a plan where they would feign cooperation only to expose Andrew’s bribery in the end due to their guilt.

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