Chapter 50 The Will Reading, Appointment, and Legitimacy
As Paige took her seat, the chatter among the board members in the video conference was hushed. She shot Kim a knowing look, and, with a nod, Kim stood in front of the camera, clutching the documents in his hands.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the board," Kim began, presenting Paige formally, "I introduce to you the granddaughter of the late Chairman Zachary Ellison, and his sole heir, Xanthe Ellison."
Paige acknowledged the introduction with a subtle nod.
Kim continued, "I will now proceed to read the late Mr. Zachary Ellison's will and announce his appointments."
As Kim flipped open the documents and started reciting the contents of the will, murmurs and questions arose once again from the members.
"I've never heard of Mr. Ellison having a granddaughter."
"Since when did a granddaughter suddenly appear?"
Paige didn't so much as bat an eyelid at these comments; she had anticipated their reactions and wasn't perturbed. Ultimately, they would have no choice but to accept the truth.
She was Zachary Ellison's granddaughter, the new CEO of Universe Group. At Universe, from this moment forward, her word would be law.
Kim leaned toward the camera to show the will more clearly, saying as a reminder, "Should any of you have doubts, please take a photo now. It bears Mr. Ellison's handwritten signature, and you are welcome to get it verified."
Xanthe couldn't be bothered with their nonsense or waiting for them to seek proof. She idly twirled a pen in her hand and dropped a bombshell, "Ten years ago, a massive sum of money disappeared, a sum that belonged to three of the world's top conglomerates. This mysterious fund also cost my grandfather his life. Today, I've found a lead on this money."
She needn't waste time with trivialities.
At her revelation, all eyes were suddenly on Paige. The board members' mannerisms shifted as they addressed her with newfound respect, "Ms. Ellison has a lead on the funds?"
"Yes, and the investigation was already underway before this meeting started. So, does anyone have any further questions?" Paige challenged.
With that single statement, she silenced them. They all knew well that only an insider could have access to such information.
If Paige could find a lead to that fund, it didn't matter whether she was Zachary Ellison's biological granddaughter or not. As long as Zachary acknowledged her, they would respect her as the one at the helm of Universe Group.
After everyone chimed in with their 'no problems,' Paige wrapped up the video conference.
Kim couldn't help but roll her eyes, "These people change their tune so quickly."
Pearl chimed in, "It's a blessing in disguise. Looks like Xanthe is officially in charge as CEO now."
Paige added, "It's not that simple. There's still a lot of pushbacks to come."
Paige knew very well that her sudden emergence didn't command genuine allegiance from these people. They were only cooperating with her, looking after their interests for the time being. After all, Paige had hinted at the secret fund that even the insiders had been unable to track down despite racking their brains. They were interested in Paige's ability to uncover this lead. Whether she was truly Zachary Ellison's granddaughter or not, it didn't concern many of them.
Kim posed a question, "Anyway, we've got these folks on board. Xanthe, when do you plan on going public with your identity?"
Paige wasn't planning on any grand announcement just yet. Her mother, still confined and under the vigilant supervision of the Sacklers, was the only thing on her mind.
Paige replied with a slight furrow of her brow, "No rush on that front. But I do need to make a trip to the Jobs family to tender my resignation."
She had gotten the lead, and it seemed no one had any clue about this. It would be best to make a swift exit while she still had the chance. Moreover, her job there was linked to Raymond's dad. She could take the lead and leave; the last thing she wanted was to drag the Carnegies into this tangled mess.
Pearl suggested, "Why not just send an email to them? If you go there in person, what if they ask you to stay a few more days because they haven't found a replacement?"
Paige simply said, "Then I'll work a few more days."
If the clue had been stashed in that villa, there might be more to uncover. The Jobs family had vanished after relocating overseas for years, yet they owned such a sprawling mansion in the country. It made Paige suspect there were more secrets hidden within its walls.
Pearl teased her, "Xanthe, you already do not have much time to spare. Are you still considering working as a gardener?"
"I'm not a gardener, I'm a florist," Paige corrected with a smile, diving back into her work.
As Paige hadn't fully immersed herself in work yet, Pearl seized the moment to speak up.
"With Xanthe Ellison's identity now public, I’m afraid the days of being a gardener or florist are over for you. You represent the reputation of Universe Group, and it's clear there's a lot on your plate now. Otherwise..."
Paige glanced up at Pearl, "I have no intention of continuing that kind of work."
Pearl breathed a sigh of relief. After all, she was in charge of managing everything related to Xanthe. If any issues arose, there was no doubt she would be the one to clean up the mess.
Concerned that Paige might not be fully comfortable with embodying her true identity as Xanthe, Pearl felt a reminder was necessary.
“Xanthe, I’d really recommend that you and your husband move into the villa we’ve prepared for you. It's the best way we can ensure both of your safety. I'd also advise that your husband resigns and stays at home, to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.”
Although Paige agreed that safety should be a priority, she laughed at Pearl's remark that Raymond shouldn't be seen in public.
“Pearl, are you suggesting my husband keep a low profile? That seems a bit much, don't you think?”
Pearl offered a rueful smile and glanced towards Julian: “Xanthe, Julian manages our security, and he certainly wouldn't mind his team putting in the extra effort. Serving you is an honor. But once your identity becomes known, there's no doubt the bounty on the black market will skyrocket. And it's not just your safety that's at risk, but his as well.”
A sudden jolt went through Paige. Pearl wasn't just talking idly.
She knew all too well what it meant to be the sole heir of Zachary Ellison.
Before her identity was revealed, she was Paige, a true commoner, and no one had any reason to target her life.
But with this new identity, everything changed.
In the underworld, the price on her life would come at a premium.
Greed can easily sway the hearts of those lurking in the shadows, particularly the heart of an assassin.
Though her marriage to Raymond was a secret, any small leak could place his life in jeopardy as well.
Paige frowned slightly. "Julian, I need you to pick ten of your best for me."
Julian sauntered up with a nonchalant grin, "Miss Ellison, you're not thinking of having the ten guards in your corner to babysit your so-called husband, are you?"
A shadow passed across Paige's eyes, "Do you think he doesn't need protection?"
Julian's smile vanished, "My team lives and dies for your safety. They'll take a bullet for you, lay down their lives, but they answer to no one else!"
To imagine some random dude off the street getting the VIP treatment from the elite security action team...
Paige's voice deepened slightly, "But I married the guy, Julian. If someone snatches him to leverage against me, what would I do?"
