The directors exchanged shocked nces, though on some level, it was expected.


    Chad was the only son of Frederic''ste wife, the rightful heir to thepany and the family. It was only due to his poor health that the second son, Thaddeus, had been given the opportunity. Now that Chad was back and healthy, he was bound to reim what was his. Joining the board was the first step.


    It was clear the power dynamics at the Abernathy Group were about to shift.


    Dennis, standing nearby, stepped forward and announced formally, "We will now hold a vote on Mr. Chad''s appointment to the board as an executive director. Please raise your hand to approve."


    The words had barely left his mouth when three directors eagerly raised their hands. Chad remained impassive, but Frederic''s eyes lit up as he gave the three men an approving nod.


    Seeing this, others quickly followed suit. Chad was, after all, the eldest son, the legitimate heir, and clearly favored by Frederic. He was poised to be a major yer, a direct rival to Thaddeus. It was just a board seat; there was no sense in opposing Frederic and making an enemy.


    Besides, some of them had held grudges against Thaddeus for a long time. While he had led the group to new heights and made everyone wealthy, he was too rigid, too unyielding. He didn''t bend the rules or y politics. A sea too calm breeds no fish. His verypetence made others jealous, and his integrity made them resentful.


    In a matter of seconds, nearly every hand in the room was raised.


    Only Thaddeus remained seated, his gaze lowered, showing no reaction.


    Chad''s faint, mocking smile rested on Thaddeus''s unreadable face. His own eyes were deep and cold, like a primeval forest shrouded in night.


    "Thaddeus, do you have an objection to your brother joining the board?" Frederic''s face darkened at Thaddeus''s inaction, his tone usatory.


    "A simple majority is all that''s required for it to pass," Thaddeus replied, his voice t and devoid of emotion. "My vote, orck thereof, makes no difference. You''ve already achieved your goal, Chairman. Why press the issue?"


    A stunned silence fell over the room. Some directors exchanged wide-eyed nces, while others


    watched the family drama une


    with keen interest. Only Thaddeus would dare to speak to Frederic that way. He had truly be too powerful, his achievements overshadowing his superior. <fndaf6> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? FindN()vel</fndaf6>


    Frederic''s face paled, a surge of anger rising in his chest. He forced it down, unable tosh out in public.


    "Thank you for your support,


    directors," Chad said, his dark eyes curving into a humble, gracious


    smile. "Many of you are veteranen et


    who have worked alongside my father for years you are my elders,


    and hope you will offer mour


    guidance and support in the future. I thank you in advance."


    His words were like a warm spring breeze, ttering the directors and making them feel respected. Thaddeus would never say something like that. The two were iparable.


    As apuse filled the room, the matter was settled. Chad had sessfully joined the board. He walked gracefully to the empty seat opposite Thaddeus. When their eyes met it was as if an invisible tidal wave was about to capsize the entire room.


    "Now, Mr. Thaddeus will present the details of the A5 Project," Frederic said, his


    tone stillced with resentment as he looked at his younger son.