Julian scoffed. "Evidence? I''m lying in the hospital. Who could it be if not Alex? Besides "


    When a t tone came from the other end, Julian''s expression turned grim. Then, he flung the phone to the ground.


    "What happened?" Julian''s father, Walter, was shocked as he entered the room.


    Julian fumed, "Alex was released, and the police haven''t found out who''s behind the kidnapping."


    Frowning, Walter sighed resignedly. "All I can say is that we shouldn''t have messed with Hastings Group. They''re too powerfulpared to us. Here, eat something."


    However, Julian was in no mood to eat. Grabbing Walter''s hand, Julian said, "Dad, it''s Alex who made us like this. It has something to do with him. Why don''t we use this opportunity to get some money from Hastings Group?"


    ...


    When I was notified of Hastings Group''s sudden board meeting, I was confused. "There have been more board meetings this year," Imented with a sigh and began preparing for the meeting.


    "I know, right? Even Mr. Hastings Senior is attending the meeting," whispered Patricia.


    I frowned as worry bubbled in my heart. "Mr. Hastings Senior ising too? He wouldn''t attend the meeting if this is a small matter."


    When I rushed to the conference room, members of the board were already there. An ill-tempered director looked livid when he saw me.


    "Come here," ordered Alex suddenly, capturing the attention of the eager eyes.


    "Mr. Hastings, you''ve got to give us an exnation today. This isn''t a small matter," said one of the directors angrily.


    Puzzled, I turned to Alex for an exnation.


    Smiling, Alex Said, "The kes are trying to extort us for money. ke Corporation is just a small business. They can''t do us any significant harm Are you guys trying to remove me from my position as the CEO? Isn''t that abusing your power for personal grudges?"


    The directors'' eyes widened in shock, and they hurledments at Alex. Meanwhile, Alex simply remained seated in silence.


    From their argument, I roughly understood that Julian had scammed Hastings Group. Frowning, I stared at the group of people at the table who had ulterior motives. "Isn''t Julian ke at fault here?"


    My voice was not too loud, but the people who were causing a ruckus heard me and fell silent. A few shareholders nced in my direction.


    "What did you say?" questioned one of the shareholders.


    Staring back at him, I uttered, "I said, this has nothing to do with Hastings Group. It''s the kes'' fault. You guys are all elderly. How could you cause such a ruckus?"


    "What do you know, youngdy? Hastings Group''s stock price is currently at its lowest. It''s only normal to get to the bottom of it."


    I maintained my gaze on the shareholder fearlessly. "But isn''t the reason obvious? The kes want to scam Hastings Group, and Julian''s the criminal. The fact that Alex was released means that he''s innocent. What now? The public has epted the fact, but you guys still think Alex is at fault?"


    The shareholders were at a loss for words. Even Mr. Hastings Senior let out a scoff. "I''m sure everyone here knows how much effort Alex has put into thispany for the past few years. Now that something like this has happened, you guys aren''t showing him support but are even making things difficult for him.


    What''s the meaning of this?"