Chapter 480
The countenance of Mabel transformed into a glacial mask as she spoke, "Your grandfather has stepped down. A word of caution - avoid severing all ties, lest you find my hospitality lacking."
"Your intentions of hostility remain unclear to me, but..."
Abruptly, Joseph activated a remote, illuminating a large screen on the wall. The faces of several influential Hernandez shareholders filled the screen, "Apologies, mother, I was engaged in a video conference with our shareholders. They were privy to your words."
The eldest among them, Jonathan, offered his thoughts, "Desmond, if you manage to reclaim that 800 billion, it's only fair we receive a portion, perhaps a few billion, wouldn't you agree? We understand your wealth is substantial and you may not have need for your share, which you can graciously forfeit to us."
Duke interjected with a tone dripping in sarcasm, "We understand the Chamberlains are your in-laws. We've overlooked your management of the Hernandez crowd. However, we were oblivious to the Chamberlains reaping a benefit of 80 billion! That's somewhat excessive, wouldn't you say?"
Elijah scoffed, "My son has dedicated decades of hard work to the department. Granted, he's enjoyed his fair share of benefits, but that's a mere 4 or 5 billion. Meanwhile, you've gifted 80 billion to the Chamberlains. Seems like you're consistently favoring outsiders."
Jonathan added his voice, "Your son Liam recently brokered a deal with the Chamberlains, granting them a 5% discount. Fortunately, Joseph intervened and dissolved that partnership. Otherwise, the Chamberlains might have amassed hundreds of billions."
"We have no need for a Deputy Director who consistently favors the Chamberlains," declared Elijah.
Mabel’s face progressively paled, her body trembling with each accusation.
For the first time in her decades-long leadership of Hernandez, she was subjected to such severe criticism from the shareholders. "Everyone, I concede to having supported the Chamberlains in the past, but it never amounted to 80 billion. That's a fabrication Joseph has conjured."
Jonathan offered a knowing smile, "It's hardly a fabrication. I suspect the Chamberlains harbor grand plans, and you've been left in the dark."
"That's preposterous," Mabel denied flatly.
Joseph directed his gaze at the screen, "Alright, directors, I'll discuss this matter with my mother."
"Joseph, we appreciate your intervention," they acknowledged.
Once the video call concluded, Marcus furrowed his brow, "Joseph, how could you disrespect your mother in such a manner? This is an affront to her dignity."
Joseph offered a bitter smile, "Uncle, if I were in your shoes, I'd be forthright: 'Darling, to spare you any discomfort, I'm prepared to return the 80 billion to Hernandez.'"
At this, Marcus's face darkened.
80 billion wasn't a trivial sum that could be casually returned.
"Darling..."
"Enough," Mabel interjected, gripping Marcus's arm, "he's attempting to corner us. I understand. Let's leave."
As they approached the door, Mabel cast a frosty glance over her shoulder, "Joseph, today's humiliation will not be forgotten. Henceforth, refrain from addressing me as 'mom'. We share no bond."
Half a minute later.
Walter shut the door, shaking his head, "The lady has been thoroughly manipulated by Marcus."
"It's irrelevant. He won't be able to conceal his actions much longer."
A detached coolness settled in Joseph’s eyes.
...
In the parking lot.
Marcus stood, clutching his head in silent despair.
Mabel bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then extracted a card from her wallet and extended it to him, "There's sixty billion on this. Use it to help Chamberlain for now."
"Darling..." Marcus's eyes were filled with guilt and pain as he regarded her, "I can't accept this."
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