Chapter 226
"Richard's gaze settled on Cassie as he responded to the reminder, his tone resolute, ""I am aware. I do not require your reminder."" The intensity of his stare caused Cassie's heart to flutter nervously, prompting her to hastily flash her phone as a warning. ""Mr. Hernandez, you...""
Before she could finish, Richard interrupted, ""Miss Brooks, I must confess, my behavior last night was inexcusable,"" he admitted, stepping forward with a sincere look of contrition in his eyes. The crowd was rendered speechless by his confession.
Cassie was taken aback. Could the power of a man's compromising photos really be this potent? Had Joseph been correct in his assumptions? Was the Hernandez family's pride so great that they would go to any lengths to avoid scandal?
Olivia and Robert found themselves rubbing their eyes in disbelief, questioning the reality of the situation. ""Mr. Hernandez, you must be mistaken,"" Olivia boldly protested, tugging on Richard's sleeve. ""You've forgotten what occurred last night...""
""If you don't speak up, no one will take you for mute,"" Richard retorted, kicking her aside with impatience. ""I was intoxicated last night and behaved inappropriately towards Miss Cassie. My conduct was reprehensible, a disgrace. I've shamed not only myself but dishonored my ancestors by nearly tarnishing the Hernandez family's name. I'm deeply grateful to Miss Brooks for snapping me out of it.""
The room collectively held its breath, the reality of the situation feeling surreal. Cassie blinked in bewilderment at Richard, wondering if he had indeed fried his brain with a stun gun the previous night. She distinctly remembered he hadn’t been inebriated. Even with the photos, did he need to grovel so shamelessly?
Edward was completely at a loss. ""But we...""
""Right, you had the audacity to strip her of the chairmanship, not even allowing her into the boardroom?"" Richard glared at the board members with a chilling intensity. ""What is it? You think you're too old and want to retire? Or do you want Peace Group to collapse?""
The directors trembled, not feeling old in the slightest themselves, nor did they have any desire to retire – they hoped to continue competing in the business world for another decade or two.
""Mr. Hernandez, there's been a misunderstanding,"" Edward stammered quickly. ""She hasn't been removed. She's still our Chairwoman, and that's not going to change.""
Robert, swaying on his feet in disbelief, shouted, agitated, ""Edward, what are you talking about? You clearly elected me as director this morning.""
Vincent cast a disdainful glance at him. ""It was because you and your daughter claimed Cassie had offended Mr. Hernandez. What choice did we have?""
""That's right.""
""Everyone knows you covet the Chairmanship, but don't make it so unpalatable.""
""And regardless, Cassie is a member of the Brooks family. There's no need to be so harsh, right?""
The shareholders began to voice their disapproval, causing Robert and Olivia to feel as though they had plummeted from heaven into hell in an instant. Infuriated, Robert turned on Olivia, ""What the hell is going on?""
Hadn't she assured him that she had Richard wrapped around her finger? Hadn't she claimed Richard would assist them? Hadn't she promised that Richard was eager to oust Cassie?
""I don't know,"" Olivia was just as bewildered, unable to comprehend why everything had changed overnight. She looked pleadingly at Richard. ""Mr. Hernandez, what did Cassie do to you? You said... you quite liked me.""
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