Chapter 881
Your enemies were often the ones who knew you best.
Ruby jumped up from her chair, staring at the door in disbelief.
She thought she must have misheard. How could this be?
Even if Lillian had miraculously awakened in Miracalia, her body should be extremely weak, making it impossible for her to be here.
She must have misheard, but to her disappointment, three figures appeared at the doorway, catching everyone's attention.
In an instant, everyone was stunned, their mouths agape, and the conference room fell silent.
At the door stood a strikingly handsome young couple, escorting an elderly man with white hair.
The old man looked vigorous and full of life. Wasn't he the chairman, Oberon, who was rumored to be on the brink of death in the ICU?
That alone was shocking enough.
But when everyone saw the exceptionally handsome young couple beside Oberon, the woman being Lillian, the Kelly family's long-lost heiress, and the man with an imposing presence being Jackson from Miracalia, the room erupted in chaos.
"What's going on?! Wasn't Mr. Kelly supposed to have a memorial service soon?"
"Isn't that Ms. Kelly? She looks perfectly fine. Who spread the rumor that she was in a vegetative state and Mr. Kelly was dying from the shock? This is outrageous."
"Oh my God, that man looks like Jackson."
"Who? Which Jackson?"
"Who else? Of course, it's Jackson from Star Group. What is he doing here?"
"Are you sure it's him? Our Kelly Group and Star Group have no business dealings. Why would he be here?"
"Absolutely sure. His face is unforgettable. I saw him at a tech summit three years ago. No mistake."
"I heard Ms. Kelly was found in Miracalia. She lived there for years. Could it be that Ms. Kelly and Mr. Frane..."
The room buzzed with speculation, and Ronan's triumphant smile froze on his face.
His body swayed, and the shock made his legs give out, causing him to collapse back into his chair.
Ambrose, sitting not far from Ronan, had a gentle smile on his lips. He subtly nudged Ronan's chair with his long leg.
The chair slid, and Ronan couldn't sit properly, falling to the ground.
He let out a distressed cry, accidentally knocking over a water cup on the table.
The commotion drew everyone's attention back to him.
Seeing their newly supported chairman in such a humiliating state, everyone's expressions turned sour.
Embarrassment, shame, panic, regret, and guilt filled their faces.
"Dad, are you okay?"
Nathaniel and Tobias snapped out of their daze and rushed to help Ronan up.
Ronan was flustered, his previously confident face now pale and sweaty.
Lillian helped Oberon inside, looking at the drastically changed Ronan being helped up with a sense of irony.
Feeling this guilty, Ronan must know he had done something wrong.
"Mr. Kelly! It's really Mr. Kelly."
"Mr. Kelly, it's wonderful to see you."
"Yeah, Mr. Kelly's health is a blessing for all of us at Kelly Group."
The conference room suddenly buzzed with excitement, shareholders rising to greet Oberon warmly, as if they hadn't just been backing the Lawson family.
Seeing these opportunists, Ronan's face fell. He gripped the table so hard his knuckles turned white.
But he was experienced enough to quickly regain his composure, joining the others with a smile.
"Oberon! Did you just wake up today? I've been praying daily and visiting the hospital. Finally, you're awake."
Ronan reached out to shake Oberon's hand, but before he could, a large hand grabbed his, stopping him.
Ronan followed the hand to see Jackson's cold, disdainful eyes.
"Mr. Kelly has just recovered and can't touch anything dirty. Mr. Lawson, I'm sure you understand."
Ronan was called dirty by Jackson. His face almost twisted in anger, but he managed to hold it in, saying, "Of course, I understand. Oberon's health is paramount. Now that Oberon is back, Kelly Group is saved! Right, everyone?"
Ronan's words were met with enthusiastic agreement, especially from the shareholders who had just supported the Lawson family.
Their previous confidence now turned to anxiety.
Their lively agreement was met with Oberon's silence.
In this silence, the atmosphere grew tense, filling the room with a sense of oppression.
Oberon's gaze swept over everyone present. Most couldn't meet his eyes, quickly looking away or lowering their heads, their fake smiles turning into stiff grimaces.
Only when Oberon looked away did they let out a sigh of relief.
"What were you about to announce? Why not continue?" Oberon asked, looking at Ronan.
Ronan forced a laugh and explained, "These past few days, with you down, Oberon, the media stirred things up, causing turmoil in the Kelly Group. Everyone was worried. But now that you're back, everything will return to normal."
As he finished, his two sons looked anxious and resentful.
It was as if a golden apple was about to fall into their hands, only to be snatched away at the last moment. So close, yet so far."Dad, you..." Tobias started, but Ronan glared at him.
Ronan knew that as long as Oberon was around, the shareholders would never follow him.
Those who had supported him would likely switch sides.
Even if some overly enthusiastic shareholders feared retribution from the Kelly family and continued to support him, their shares were nowhere near enough to challenge the Kelly family.
Moreover, Oberon and Lillian were both standing here, perfectly fine.
Clearly, this was never an accident but a trap set for them.
At this point, there was no chance of winning.
Even though Ronan was unwilling, he had no choice but to give up. He felt as if his heart was bleeding.
"Enough, stop talking!" Ronan snapped at Nathaniel. "Since Mr. Kelly is back, let's hear what he has to say. I'm sure Mr. Kelly will explain the current turmoil and challenges facing the Kelly Group."
Nathaniel's face fell, still wanting to speak. He felt they were so close and should push forward; otherwise, the Kelly family would never let them off in the future.
Clearly, the shareholders who had just supported them held a combined share percentage that exceeded that held by the Kelly family. If they united, there might still be a chance to fight.
He stepped forward, but Ruby grabbed his arm and shook her head slightly.
Ruby was also filled with resentment, especially since her kidney problem was real and needed treatment. Now, having made enemies with the Kelly family, she feared their combined retaliation with Jackson.
But she knew they had been careless this time. Now, it was not the time to confront the Kelly family head-on; they could find another opportunity later. The road ahead was long, and Ruby had endured for many years; there would be another chance.
Thinking this, her palm was pierced by her nails, causing her heart to churn.
Oberon's sharp gaze swept over the Lawson family members, finally landing on Ruby's face. His eyes were cold and heavy, as if carrying immense pressure.
Ruby's palm hurt more, the pain keeping her from avoiding Oberon's gaze. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead, and just when she thought Oberon would say something to her, he withdrew his gaze indifferently.
However, this did not make Ruby feel relieved. Oberon's expression showed no disappointment, no sadness, not even hatred, as if she were already irrelevant.
This made Ruby feel crushed, followed by intense fear and unease.
"Ronan, do you truly wish for me to appear in the company in good health?" Oberon's gaze returned to Ronan, his question sharp.
Ronan hadn't expected such a direct question and stiffened slightly before smiling.
"Oberon, what are you saying? Of course, I wish for that. Not to mention our years of friendship, the Kelly Group truly cannot do without you. During your illness, we were all extremely worried. The stock plummeted, and employees were anxious. If not for this, we wouldn't have hurriedly convened today's board meeting. Everyone elected me as chairman for the company's benefit. Please don't misunderstand."
Oberon sneered, amazed at Ronan's ability to twist the truth.
Lillian smiled slightly, "What could my grandfather misunderstand? Misunderstand that Mr. Lawson deliberately spread rumors about my grandfather's health to seize control of the Kelly Group?"
Everyone knew the truth, but saying it out loud meant complete rupture.
The Lawson family still held significant shares in the Kelly Group, and they would continue to work together for the company's stability and development. But Lillian's words left no room for Ronan.
The conference room's atmosphere froze again, falling silent.
Ronan's expression changed, frowning, "Lillian, you've been away for years and may not understand the bond between your grandfather and me, leading to such doubts. I don't know where you heard these rumors, but they are baseless and malicious attempts to sow discord within the Kelly Group. Lillian, you must have better judgment. The Kelly Group will be in your hands one day. If you easily suspect those who have followed your grandfather for a lifetime, it will truly break our hearts."
Ronan's eloquence was impressive. He spoke without a hint of guilt or embarrassment, his expression sincere and pained.
Such skill was not common. With just a few words, he turned the tables, making it seem like Lillian was heartless and lacking judgment if she continued to pursue the matter.
Lillian's smile was faint. "My grandfather fainted from anger due to Mr. Lawson's rumors. It's only been a few days; has Mr. Lawson forgotten? I know the power of rumors well and would never believe them lightly."
Ronan's face twisted in anger, "Lillian, you're making baseless accusations. How could your grandfather faint from my rumors? Oberon clearly fell ill because of you. Enough, why argue with a junior?"
Ronan's final words showed resignation, as if he didn't want to argue with a junior.
Ruby chimed in, "Lillian, you've misunderstood. We were all very worried and sad about Oberon and you. My father and I visited the hospital daily. Father hoped for your grandfather's recovery. Even if you don't trust us, you should trust your father. If we had ill intentions, your father wouldn't support us."
She looked at Kenneth, who had been mostly silent.
Kenneth smiled lovingly at Lillian, nodding, "Lillian, you're overthinking."
Lillian nodded, her smile indifferent, "I am overthinking. After all, I was driving the car you gifted me when the brakes failed, nearly killing me. I wondered if you deliberately gave me a faulty car to kill your own daughter. Such things are not uncommon, right?"
Kenneth's face turned pale.
Clearly, Lillian's words made everyone question.
They knew Lillian had an accident, and Oberon collapsed upon hearing the news. They didn't know the details, but now they learned Lillian was driving Kenneth's gifted car.
Everyone here was shrewd, quickly piecing together the events.
Kenneth harmed Lillian, the Lawson family angered Oberon, and seized the company.
It was too horrifying and malicious to think deeply about.
"How could he harm his own daughter?"
"Yes, it's insane, truly terrifying!"
"Thank goodness Mr. Kelly and Ms. Kelly are safe. If the Kelly Group was seized by the Lawson family, it would be doomed."
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