Chapter 485 In a Stalemate
Dashiell's indifferent attitude made the heads of several branch families following him frown, not understanding what he meant.
In their view, this might be the best opportunity to restrain Ethan and force him to change his plan.
Dashiell knew what these people were thinking, but he possessed a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle between Ethan and Brady than anyone else present.
These people were simply too naive to think Ethan was so easy to fool and that they could play the game of collective pressure against him.
Dashiell, who was secretly sneering, soon showed a look of astonishment. He suddenly realized that since he and Zephyr decided to side with Ethan, his mindset had unknowingly changed.
Before this, he shared the same thoughts as these people present. If it weren't for the sudden news from Logan, he would have already started opposing Ethan. Thinking of this, Dashiell found it unbelievable and felt a sense of uncertainty.
"Lucas, it's easy for you to talk. I know you were once a loyal subordinate of Matthew. To be blunt, if the reform plan is really implemented, he might not treat you badly, but for most of us, it's hard to say!" Micah's sarcastic voice followed.
"Micah, what do you mean by that? Do you think Ethan would deliberately favor one family? Unless you have concrete evidence, don't make baseless accusations," Lucas's face immediately darkened, and he scolded Micah.
"Baseless accusations? Ask everyone here, how many agree with your view? I don't know if Ethan will favor anyone, but who can guarantee he will be impartial? Can you?" Micah retorted with a cold smile.
"Micah, I think you have ulterior motives. Are you deliberately opposing Ethan? Believe it or not, I'll be the first to hit you!" Lucas, with his fiery temper, rolled up his sleeves and was ready to charge at Micah but was held back by Simon and others.
"Enough. I'm not here to watch you argue," Ethan suddenly shouted, and everyone immediately quieted down, not daring to move, all eyes fixed on Ethan as they were waiting to see what he would say next.
Ethan didn't speak again but walked down from the podium and approached Micah.
Micah instinctively took a step back, nervously asking, "Ethan, what are you doing?"
"Don't be nervous. I won't beat you." Ethan grinned at his nervous look.
"Most of you here are my elders. In terms of seniority, I should call you uncles," Looking around at everyone, Ethan continued, "As a junior, I should give you some respect."
Hearing Ethan's words, everyone was surprised. No one expected Ethan to be so accommodating.
"But there's one thing I hope you understand. I'm not speaking to you as an individual, but as the future leader of the Wilson family. And starting tomorrow, I will speak to you as the head of the family. So, tell me, should we address each other as uncle and nephew, or as master and subordinate?" Ethan suddenly changed his tone, smiling as he asked everyone.
Despite the smile on Ethan's face, everyone could feel a cold and authoritative aura from his eyes, as if he had suddenly become a different person.
"Naturally, as master and subordinate. The Wilson family values seniority but also rules. The head of the family represents the entire Wilson family above personal identity." Lucas, seeing everyone intimidated by Ethan's imposing aura, was the first to speak.
Micah and the others finally reacted, but Lucas had already spoken, making it impossible for them to voice different opinions.
"Very good! I'm glad some of you understand what to do and say!" Ethan nodded in satisfaction, then suddenly retracted his imposing aura, returning to his previous smiling demeanor, and asked again, "Now, tell me, how many of you still want to oppose my reform decision?"
"Ethan, you can't say it like that. We're all just discussing the matter, not targeting you," Micah's expression changed, quickly explaining. He couldn't let Ethan lead everyone into a trap. If Ethan subdued everyone now, their interests would be handed over.
"Yes, I believe you. I also hope you genuinely care for the Wilson family." Ethan nodded in agreement, then lightly patted Micah on the shoulder, saying, "Don't be nervous. I don't blame you for anything."
Micah's body stiffened, and he felt uncomfortable with Ethan's sudden gesture.
"Ethan, it's good that you understand our good intentions," Micah said, gritting his teeth and lowering his head.
"Alright, I understand your intentions. The final decision on the Wilson family reform will be made at the family head's succession ceremony tomorrow. Until then, you and I can think it over'" Ethan chuckled, then turned to Beverly and instructed, "Record this: for those willing to support the reform plan, increase the purchase price by 30% and add a 20% dividend to their group."
"Okay!" Beverly immediately nodded in agreement.
The crowd's expressions changed. Those who supported Ethan, like Lucas, were overjoyed. The 20% dividend was a good thing for them. In addition to the 30% increase in compensation for the original shares, they would get an annual dividend. This deal was definitely profitable for them.
The branch family heads who were originally on the fence were now tempted by Ethan's generous offer.
As for those who opposed, like Micah, or those who remained silent, like Dashiell, they were either embarrassed or surprised, showing little joy. They hadn't expected Ethan to have such boldness.
"Everyone, if you change your mind, you can contact Beverly anytime. What I said today will be valid for three days. Decisions made within three days will count," Ethan said, then turned and walked out of the hall without looking back.
The crowd looked at each other in astonishment, not expecting Ethan to use this tactic to win people over. At least some wavering branch families would be tempted by such generous terms.