?Chapter 1201:


    Howe scoffed, cutting him off sharply. “A confidential mission? One that requires him to vanishpletely? Not even his closest aide knows where he is. Tell me—have you ever seen anything like that before?”


    His tone hardened as his piercing gaze swept the room.


    “It’s time to face the truth. For the sake of every employee depending on Briggs Group, we must establish stable leadership immediately. I rmend that I take over as acting Chairman and CEO until we receive verifiable news about William—or until he stands before me himself.”


    Luca shot to his feet, hisplexion pale. “Howe, this goes againstpany protocol. William left specific authorizations in ce, and appointing a temporary Chairman requires a unanimous decision from the board!”


    The meaning was clear enough. Even if Luca yielded, a single opposing vote would still bar Howe from iming the position.


    With a tight smile, Howe fixed his gaze on Luca. His tone sharpened, shedding the politeness he’d worn upon arrival.


    “Luca, those so-called authorizations—if Mr. Briggs has truly met with disaster—do they still hold any weight? And as for the vote…”


    His eyes swept deliberately across the room. A few directors who had once sided with William lowered their heads, unwilling to meet his stare.


    “Let’s cast our votes.”


    Howe couldn’t hide the satisfaction in his eyes. He was certain no one there would ce William’s absence above thepany’s stability.


    Luca’s brow furrowed. He hadn’t expected Howe to be so unyielding.


    Just then, a director cleared his throat and spoke up. “ording to thepany charter, every board member must be present for a vote. Director Jerry Yates is ill today and couldn’t attend. I suggest we postpone the decision until he returns.”


    The moment the word “postpone” was uttered, a ripple of agreement spread through the room. No one dared oppose Howe directly, so they settled for dying the inevitable.


    Leaning back in his chair, Howe appeared unconcerned. A day or two wouldn’t change the oue. There was no chance William would suddenly reappear and reim his title as CEO overnight.


    The meeting broke apart in uneasy silence. As Howe walked past Luca, he didn’t bother with a greeting—only cast Luca a long, knowing nce before leaving.


    L?tеst chαpt?rs in g??lnovels.??m


    An unexpected visitor arrived at the gate of Ste and Marc’s vi.


    It was a middle-aged man in a crisp suit. He stood at the door with a briefcase in hand. When Ste answered, he presented his card with a courteous smile.


    Pacific Rim Law Firm — Senior Partner, Kyler Wade.


    Kyler’s voice carried a measured calm, though his eyes held the precision of a man used to reading people. As the door opened, he studied Ste carefully.


    “Good afternoon, Ms. Russell. I’m here on behalf of Mr. William Briggs. There are some matters that must be discussed with you personally.”


    Ste nced at the card in her hand, then back at the stranger on her doorstep. Confusion clouded her face. “Mr. William Briggs? I’m sorry, I don’t know you, and I don’t know anyone by that name. Are you sure you’vee to the right house?”


    For an instant, Kyler seemed thrown off by her reply, but he recovered swiftly, professionalism settling over his features again. “I’m quite certain, Ms. Russell. Mr. Briggs is the current CEO of Briggs Group. I have with me a will he signed over a year ago, along with several rted property documents. Please, take a look.”


    .


    .


    .