"You''re out safely?" Chad''s voice was light and detached.


    "Sir, my apologies for causing you trouble. Thank you for making the arrangements."<fnbe8f> For original chapters go to find[?]ovel</fnbe8f>


    "I just pulled a few strings. It was nothing. Besides, I anticipated you would be summoned. After all, Thaddeus got the medicine from you."


    Alexia, still shaken, said in a hushed, dark tone, "That detective, Logan... is he one of ours? He seemed so eager to arrest Thaddeus, I thought you had recruited him. But when he interrogated me, he was relentless, refusing to let up."


    "He works for Chief Roderick. That connection is all we need."


    After a moment of thought, Alexia lowered her voice. "Sir, a simple drug charge, especially for a first-time offense, won''t be enough to do any real damage. He''ll probably be out on bail in a day or two."


    Chad chuckled softly. "And?"


    "It''s such a shame we couldn''t deliver a knockout blow, one that would keep him down for good!" Alexia said, gritting her teeth.


    "Thaddeus has our grandfather''s support, not to mention the Ashbourne family behind him. He''s been entrenched in Elmsworth for years. He is a formidable opponent." Chad''s voice held a muffledugh, but it was chilling. "For now, I am simply taking back what is rightfully mine. Everything else can be dealt with in due time."


    Alexia knew exactly what he meant by "his things." It was everything Thaddeus possessed.


    ***


    The next morning, an emergency board meeting was convened at the Abernathy Group. The sole purpose of the meeting was to discuss the potential dismissal of Thaddeus as president. The conference room was silent; the gravity of the decision hung heavy in the air.


    Thaddeus was not without his supporters Several board members voiced their opposition. "Mr. Thaddeus has poured his heart and soul into thispany for years. It''s not just about the toney he''s made us he has elevated the Abernathy Group to unprecedented heights! Now that he''s in trouble, we should be standing with him, not


    abandoning him!"


    "Exactly! If we rece him, who can guarantee thepany will continue to thrive? Can anyone else secure the A5 Project?"


    But dissenting voices rose just as quickly. "The stock has been plummeting for three days straight since this incident! We''ve lost over a billion dors in market value overnight! How do we recover from that?"


    "A drug charge might not mean prison time, but it''s a permanent stain on his record. The news is everywhere, and it''s done severe damage to our reputation. If Mr. Thaddeus remains president, how can he negotiate deals or appear in public? The president is the face of thepany!"


    Others nodded in agreement. The room was at a stalemate.


    Frederic looked on, deeply troubled. He didn''t want to rece Thaddeus either; his younger son''s drive and capabilities were undeniable. But with the current scandal, the board had to take action to appease shareholders and the public.


    "Gentlemen, there is no need to worry about the A5 Project." Chad, impably dressed, sat at the table, his warm eyes sweeping over the room Whether I serve as president or not, I am confident that I can secure the A5 Project for the Abernathy Group." is natural confidence was disarming, inspiring an inexplicable sense of trust. Moreover, his words were full of sincerity, as if he cared only for thepany''s well-being and had no personal interest in the presidency.


    His expression turned serious. "The Abernathy Group started as a family


    business, but it is now a publicly tradedpany. I can serve as interim president.


    If, within one year, I fail to deliver results, you, the board, can vote to rece me.


    I, Chad, will not utter a single word ofint."


    His proposal was so thoughtful and reasonable that it was impossible to refute. After a long, silent deliberation, Frederic finally made his decision. "Given the current circumstances, Thaddeus is o longer suitable for the role of president. But thepany cannot be without a leader. Therefore, at today''s meeting, we will vote on the appointment of my eldest son, Chad, as the new president of the group..."


    "I disagree!"


    Before he could finish, Hamilton, supported by Mr. Murray, stormed into the conference room, his eyes zing with fury.