?Chapter 1540:


    One of them muttered, “We’ve got nothing to talk about with you. We came for Cedric.”


    Dani nodded. Thinking they had finally won, the McCoys straightened up smugly—until she turned to the security chief.


    “Ensure the entrance is tightly secured. No one associated with the McCoys—or anyone sent on their behalf—gets in.”


    The head of security responded loudly, “Understood!”


    Defeated and grumbling, the McCoy family left, unable to hide their embarrassment.


    The next day, McCoy Group’s stock price wobbled ever so slightly. But such instability was unheard of for apany usually known for its rock-solid performance.


    The board wasted no time in calling an urgent meeting.


    This time, Hamilton appeared far moreposed than before. He settled into his chair at the head of the table, scanning reports with a detached air. Around the table, concern deepened on every face.


    “What’s happening here? Why are we seeing this kind of movement in our stock? This has never happened.”


    “Exactly! Maybe this is a minor hup for most firms, but for McCoy Group, any change is a big deal. The finance department already told me this blip cost us nearly a fortune.”


    “The marketing department is scrambling to figure out the issue. Let’s discuss how to handle this.”


    Unease settled over the boardroom, leaving only nervous nces and silence. Hamilton offered noment.


    Sitting a few seats away, Josh McCoy fixed Hamilton with a look of open irritation. “Hamilton, what’s the meaning of this? You made such a spectacle yesterday over nothing, and now you’re just sitting there? Maybe you’re not cut out to be chairman anymore. I don’t see any effort from you today.”


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    A chill entered Hamilton’s tone. “You know what? Maybe you’re right. I’m done. If you think you can handle it, the chair is yours.”


    The boardroom went still, a hush falling over every voice.


    After a long moment, a brittleugh broke the tension. “We’re family. There’s no need to take things so far. You’ve always been the leader, Hamilton. Don’t let this get to you.”<fn9a45> Official source is fινdnοvel</fn9a45>


    The speaker was Alison McCoy, her face stered with a fake smile.


    Hamilton let out a cold chuckle. “Am I being too dramatic? Haven’t you all been plotting to push me out for years? I’m tired of ying this game. If anyone wants the job, take it.”


    The boldness in his words left the room stunned and speechless.


    Josh, who had been so brash before, now forced a grin. “Let’s not get carried away. You know how tense things are right now. If thepany suffers, we all lose out. You can’t just wash your hands of this.”


    Over the years, the McCoy family had always tiptoed around Hamilton, never daring to challenge him. Lately, with age creeping up on him, Hamilton sensed their respect slipping away.


    Years of unwavering dedication to McCoy Group now seemed meaningless in the face of their cold stares. He understood that no matter how much he wanted distance, the bonds of family were not so easily broken.


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