Chapter 343
Chapter 343:
But Austin was here now, standing tall and healthy. As news of his recovery spread, it was bound to stabilize the stock price, perhaps even send it soaring.
For the shareholders, this was the reassurance they had been hoping for. Austin had always delivered strong results, and under his leadership, the company had flourished year after year.
The murmurings about electing a new CEO were silenced in an instant.
Austin had proven his capability over the years, and they saw no reason to change course now.
The shareholders, visibly relieved, eagerly embraced Austin’s return.
Leonel, once seen as the most viable replacement, was suddenly redundant. His brief moment of hope—born from Austin’s absence—had been snatched away.
As the meeting commenced, Austin took his seat at the head of the table, his calm authority effortlessly commanding the room. He addressed the recent stock fluctuations, carefully reassuring the board members of the company’s stability and future growth. His words were measured, professional, and unflinching.
Leonel, meanwhile, sat stiffly in his chair, his fingers twitching with frustration.
His mind raced with doubts and suspicions.
How had Austin recovered so quickly? Had he been faking the severity of his injuries all along? Was the hospital stay just a trap, a ploy to test Leonel’s ambitions and intentions?
Each unanswered question burned in Leonel’s mind.
If this was Austin’s way of striking back, it was a brutal and calculated blow, one that left Leonel utterly humiliated in front of the shareholders.
Leonel’s gaze burned with thinly veiled resentment as he looked at Austin.
Find the magic on gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸𝗼𝗺
This was a bitter pill to swallow, a reality Leonel could hardly accept. But one thing was certain—this wasn’t over. He would find a way to strike back, no matter how long it took.
As the shareholders’ meeting ended, the room gradually emptied, one by one.
Only Leonel and Austin remained behind, the tension between them palpable.
Leonel adjusted his tie and prepared to leave, but just as he reached the door, Austin’s voice cut through the silence, light yet laced with intent.
“Uncle Leonel,” Austin called out, his tone casual yet sharp. “How did you enjoy your stay in the CEO’s office these past few days? I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it seems you may not have the chance to sit in my chair again p>
Leonel froze mid-step, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He turned slowly, forcing a neutral expression despite the anger simmering beneath. “Austin, what are you implying?” he said, his voice calm but strained. “You weren’t in the office, so I stepped in to handle a few company matters for you. We’re family, and it was my duty to help, nothing more. I had no other intentions p>
Austin’s lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Really? I hope that’s really the case, Uncle. For your sake p>
With that, Austin turned and strode out of the room, his footsteps confident, leaving Leonel rooted to the spot. The knot of anger in Leonel’s chest tightened, almost choking him.
His teeth clenched, his jaw stiffening as he watched Austin’s back disappear through the door.
The air felt heavy as Leonel stood there, his resentment boiling over.
The memory of sitting in the CEO’s chair just days ago now felt like a fleeting dream—one that had been snatched away before it could become reality.
He still couldn’t understand it. He had personally confirmed Austin’s condition at the hospital and verified that he was unconscious.
So how was Austin now perfectly fine, striding back into the office as though nothing had happened?
Leonel sat in his car for a moment longer that night before heading inside his home, replaying the day’s events in his mind.
He couldn’t shake the bitter taste of defeat. Perhaps he had been too careless this time. “If I’d been more cautious, this setback could’ve been avoided,” he thought.
When he finally stepped through the door, the smell of a home-cooked feast greeted him. Aanya had laid out an impressive spread on the dining table, every dish carefully prepared.
She’d been eagerly anticipating this moment all day, believing they would celebrate Leonel’s new position as CEO together.
Aanya had refrained from calling him earlier, worried she might interrupt his busy first day as CEO.
It was her thoughtful nature—always putting his needs first.
Now, she rushed to greet him, her face glowing with excitement.
“Honey, you’re back!” Aanya exclaimed warmly, taking his briefcase as she spoke.
Her eyes sparkled with joy, oblivious to the storm brewing behind Leonel’s composed expression.
Leonel nodded absentmindedly, muttering a distracted “Yes p>
Aanya, sensing something was wrong, studied him carefully.
Her excitement dimmed, replaced by concern.
Why did he look so troubled? This was supposed to be a moment of triumph—the culmination of years of waiting and scheming for the CEO position.