Chapter 96 Gabriel Emerged from the Car
The spacious ground floor lobby of the Harriman Group office building, which was usually empty, was filled with the company's management team half an hour ago, lined up in neat rows from high to low rank, from outer to inner. Everyone was holding their breath, obviously having just received the sudden news of Mr. Harriman's return ten minutes ago. Standing on the outermost side was Wayne Perez, another very competent CEO assistant under Gabriel.
Landon stepped down from the black Bentley in the middle, respectfully and meticulously opening the rear door.
Everyone held their breath. After all, the rumors of internal turmoil over the past month had made everyone nervous. All eyes were focused on the Bentley door, feeling tense.
Gabriel emerged from the car, standing up slowly.
His tall and straight figure stood there, his black eyes exuding a familiar cold and stern gaze. From a distance, he still exuded a natural coldness that looked down on all beings, cold, noble, making people unconsciously straighten their backs at the sight of him, even controlling their breathing frequency involuntarily, as if afraid of disturbing Gabriel who was about to approach.
The doors of the two cars in front and back opened simultaneously, and several assistants in professional suits walked out from inside. They followed behind Gabriel in a very polite and respectful manner, maintaining a courteous distance.
Simon and the group of directors were still unaware of what was happening, pressing on Michael in the meeting room. The other company executives who received the news stood in front of the main hall of the building, saw the expressionless group walking inside. Each held their breath, yet not daring to look directly at Gabriel, who had already walked to the exclusive elevator.
"Mr. Harriman." Landon, who always addressed Gabriel this in the company, pressed the elevator button and said respectfully in a low voice, "The board of directors is currently in meeting room three on the east side."
Another assistant, Wayne, stood by the elevator, slightly lowering his body. When the elevator door opened, he extended his right hand to lead the way for Gabriel.
After Gabriel entered the elevator, Landon and Wayne exchanged a glance. They were always very tacit in their work. Wayne then turned and said, "Mr. Harriman, the meeting has been going on for over an hour. We have arranged people in advance and can go over at any time."
Landon directly pressed the button for the floor where meeting room three was located.
Wayne's report continued, "Mr. Michael Harriman received our subtle notification before entering the meeting room and is still negotiating with Simon's side."
Harriman Group office building, east side, meeting room three.
Simon had successfully gained the upper hand with the help of many friendly supporters and, disregarding the warning glances from Michael sitting in the first seat, he raised his hand to adjust his expensive suit cufflinks, nodded politely to everyone in the meeting, and then suddenly typed a few keys on the laptop in front of him. He also took out a miniature remote control from his pocket and projected the contents of the computer onto the large high-definition screen in front of him.
On the screen were photos of the scene after Gabriel's cliff car accident, the twisted black Bentley that fell off the cliff, the bloodstains at the scene, and an electronic blood test report proving it was Gabriel's blood.
"Dad, I know you have always had high hopes for Gabriel, which is why you entrusted everything of the Harriman family to him. But unfortunately, Gabriel passed away in an accident over a month ago. Even if you struggle to accept this reality, you must release any unrealistic fantasies about his being alive. The Harriman Group cannot function without a chairman and CEO. You continued to conceal the news of Gabriel's passing and came to the company every day with a cane. You have to understand your physical condition. You are well past retirement age, and with your health deteriorating, you are no longer capable of managing the company. Why do you continue to conceal from everyone, holding onto the top position in the company?"
Simon continued to press the buttons on the remote control, projecting news screenshots, videos, photos, and documents that could prove Gabriel's death onto the screen.
Mr. Armstrong seized the opportunity to chime in, "We have long heard the news of Mr. Harriman's unfortunate death, but this news has been suppressed and kept from everyone. However, he has not been seen since the incident. Mr. Michael Harriman, you should tell everyone the truth. We are all prepared for it."
Mr. Phillips nodded. "Yes, if you are not at ease in handing over the company's power to us outsiders, Simon is always the right choice. After all, he is your son, closer in relation than Gabriel. He has worked hard for the company for many years, and even when Gabriel was around, he almost handed the position of deputy general manager to Simon. Now that Gabriel is gone, Simon is the best choice. Firstly, the Harriman Group still belongs to the Harriman family, and secondly, Mr. Michael Harriman, you can retire with peace of mind, no longer worrying about the company's affairs."
Most of the long-serving directors at Harriman Group followed suit, leading to some remaining silent directors and executives who were neither speaking up nor taking sides but understanding the situation.
Simon was using the board meeting as an opportunity to pressure Michael with the support of some key individuals.
However, the relevant departments had not issued a death certificate for Mr. Harriman. Without proof, the news of Mr. Harriman's death remained just a rumor, not yet confirmed.
The few directors who had been siding with Simon were clearly his last few cards. They were either well-prepared for today's actions or were taking a final gamble, not wanting to delay any longer to avoid more complications.
Although Mr. Michael Harriman was indeed getting older, he was not senile.
Was Simon being too impatient by pressing so aggressively?
Simon put down the remote control and looked at Michael, who had been sitting at the head of the conference table all along, with a smile. However, Michael only looked back at Simon coldly and seriously.
Simon said, "Dad, Gabriel is dead."
At this moment, Mr. Armstrong seemed to have had enough and stood up, saying, " Mr. Michael Harriman, how old are you this year? You should have a clear mind. The Harriman Group is not a small family business. The life and death of such a large conglomerate are being watched by the global financial world. Tens of millions of employees need a stable work environment. You cannot just hold onto the position like this. Gabriel is gone, and you are getting old. The position of CEO must be held by a wise person. If you continue to withhold an explanation from the board and the entire group, we have the right to report and impeach you to the business department."
Suddenly, the closed door of the meeting room opened from the outside.
"Is that so?"
A cold voice came from the front of the meeting room door, as cold as the untouched snow on the mountaintop, instantly capturing the attention of all the directors present.
