Chapter 476 Understanding the Inside
Nolan was trying to read Charles's mind as he spoke, stalling for time as long as the boss stayed quiet.
"We might not know, but Mrs. Elise Percy sure does, considering it's her daughter-in-law."
At the mention of that name, Charles finally looked up, his sharp gaze cutting through Cliff like a knife.
Everyone else in the room went silent, intimidated by his stare, waiting for Cliff Anderson to get chewed out before seeing what would happen next.
"Mr. Anderson, how are things with your wife lately?" Charles asked lazily, like it was just small talk.
Cliff was caught off guard but quickly recovered.
"My wife and I have been married for ten years, and we're doing great," he said, puffing out his chest a bit. "We dated for four years before tying the knot. We're a perfect match."
The implication was clear: he was mocking Charles for rushing into marriage without even revealing who his wife was.
"Then why have I heard that you prefer your mistress and have been separated from your wife for a long time?" Charles smiled, but his words were sharp and cutting.
This meeting was entirely the result of these bored shareholders demanding it.
Charles had shown up out of respect, but they had the nerve to push him around?
In the past, he avoided arguments, seeing them as pointless. But influenced by Diana, he was now ready to have a proper chat with Cliff.
"Mr. Anderson, are you saying that my marriage isn't valid unless I have a wife at home and a mistress on the side, like you?" Charles mocked, not caring if Cliff felt humiliated.
Cliff's face turned from green to pale, looking extremely uncomfortable.
The other shareholders weren't any better. With money came infidelity; they all had their own secrets.
Charles's sudden marriage was just something they could latch onto because they couldn't find any other faults.
When Charles was single, shareholders with daughters had hoped to become his in-laws, pushing their daughters into the company.
But Charles, focused solely on work, didn't even glance at them. Those who didn't meet the job requirements were all dismissed by HR.
It wasn't until Stella came along that the shareholders quieted down.
But now, Charles had just broken off his engagement with Stella and had suddenly gotten married?
It was too abrupt.
Rather than condemning his quick marriage, the shareholders were more curious about who the woman was and if they could use her to their advantage.
Charles knew their thoughts, so he only revealed his marital status without specifics.
With Cliff unable to retort, he sat back in his chair, silent.
An older shareholder, who had been quiet, cleared his throat and spoke,
"Charles, I'm getting old and didn't want to meddle. But Mrs. Juniper Percy asked me to ensure your happiness before she passed."
Charles turned slightly. This shareholder had a good relationship with his grandmother and usually didn't cause trouble. Charles was willing to listen to him.
"I have no right to interfere in your marriage, but I hope you handle it wisely."
The old shareholder's words were brief but clear. Everyone understood without needing further explanation.
Charles nodded slightly and raised his voice,
"I know what you're all thinking. Regarding my marriage, I have two points to address. First, you all know my wife. I'll introduce her at the right time."
Everyone exchanged puzzled looks.
"We all know her? Who could it be?"
"Is it Stella? But they broke off their engagement."
"Second," Charles interrupted their murmurs, "my marriage won't affect the Percy Group's development. The Percy Group will only get better."
With that, he stood up and left the meeting room without looking back.
Nolan quickly knocked on the table, signaling the end of the meeting.
The confused shareholders were left guessing.
"Nolan, don't bother notifying me about such time-wasting meetings next time," Charles's voice drifted to Nolan's ears as he walked ahead.
Nolan froze, feeling hopeless. He couldn't just tell the shareholders to get lost! Why make things difficult for him?
"Understood, Mr. Percy."
Meanwhile, Abigail, taking the opportunity to deliver something, carefully observed Diana's face. The more she looked, the more she thought Diana resembled the late Mrs. Percy.
So, on her second trip to the office to deliver juice, she couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, how should I address you?"
"My name is..." Diana hesitated under the secretary's probing gaze. Should she reveal her identity?
But soon, she didn't have to worry about it. Because Charles returned with Nolan, ending the meeting forty minutes early.
Abigail, who had been all smiles, immediately put on a serious expression upon seeing Charles. Her movements became swift and efficient. "Ma'am, if you need anything else, just let me know."
With that, she left quickly, as if a demon was chasing her.
Nolan placed the documents on the table and left the office, leaving them alone.
Charles sat back in his chair, massaging his stiff neck. Noticing the food on Diana's desk, he chuckled, "Hungry?"
"No, the secretary brought it in, so I ate it." Diana sipped her juice, avoiding his gaze.
Whenever she was with Charles, they either argued or fought. This peaceful chat felt strange to her. So she found a topic and asked, "How was the meeting? Did it go well?"
Charles paused, initially planning to give a perfunctory answer. But remembering that Diana wasn't familiar with the Percy Group's internal affairs, he beckoned her over, "Come here, I'll tell you."
Diana put down her juice and was about to get up when he added, "Bring a chair over."
So, they sat side by side, looking at the computer.
Charles pulled up a document, showing a list of shareholders divided into three columns. Pointing to the first column, Charles explained, "These are the major shareholders. The ones on the left support me, the middle are neutral, and the right are Elise's people."
He casually revealed the internal factions, as if discussing the weather.
Diana's eyes widened, glancing between the screen and Charles.
"These few don't matter much. They just hold original shares and collect dividends. No need to worry about them..." Charles continued, oblivious to her reaction.
The next moment, a soft hand touched his forehead.
Diana's surprised voice came from beside him, "Charles, are you running a fever?"
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