Suddenly, Debra remembered something Drake had told her the other day.


    "What would a richdy like you understand? You value pride over survival. But for small-timers like them? Pride means nothing. Staying alive is all that matters."


    She frowned. "Theda was abandoned in the countryside when she was little and lived a tough life for over ten years, right?"


    "Exactly."


    "Then how could she not understand how hard it is for small-timers to survive?"


    Just then, Theda and Melody took the stage. The purple satin gown on Theda seemed a bit too bold for the asion.


    She started, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending the cooperation banquet between the Buchan Group and the Nichols Group. It also marks my new journey as the new president of the Nichols Group. I will lead thepany toward an even brighter future." Her speech shocked everyone in the hall.


    After all, Juan hadn''t made an appearance in days. Even if he were stepping down, he should have faced and addressed the shareholders.


    Erica spoke up, "Ms. Buchan, no offense, but you''re going to take control of the Nichols Group? If I''m not mistaken, you don''t have any shares, right?"


    Several shareholders of the Nichols Group nodded in agreement. They all coveted the position left by Juan, but Melody invited an outsider to take over thepany, which was uneptable.


    "Who says Theda doesn''t have shares?" Melody interjected. "I''ve transferred my shares to her. She has every right to run for president of the Nichols Group."


    The big shareholders immediately voiced their objections.


    "Mrs. Nichols Sr., we are supporting


    the partnership between the twopanies, but the change in. leadership isn''t something you can decide alone."


    "Mrs. Nichols Sr., we respect you, but with just your shares, you don''t have the final say on everything."


    The guests all kept quiet, watching the internal struggle.


    Theda chimed in, "You''re right about that, but what if Mr. Nichols'' shares were also transferred to me?


    it?"


    would be convincing To


    Everyone in the hall was shocked.


    "What? Mr. Nichols'' shares?"


    "He has been missing for quite some time. Why would he suddenly transfer his shares to Theda?"


    Erica and Randy exchanged confused nces, while Debra''s brows were knitted together.


    Just then, Juan walked up from the side of the stage. In a ck suit, he looked unapproachable as ever.


    The cameras immediately directed at him, and whispers erupted among the audience. "Is it really him? Mr. Nichols?"


    "Mr. Nichols, what''s going on? Are you really stepping down?"


    The


    didn''t believe that Juan.


    e his position over justet


    scandal, but Juan remained


    Sto


    He announced, "I will be stepping down, and Theda Buchan will be the next president of the Nichols Group."