Chapter 399 Counterattack
Ethan publicly replaced the partners right in front of them—a deliberate humiliation.
The four businessmen became visibly agitated.
"Ethan, we were supposed to sign the deal today, and you suddenly switch partners? You're playing games with us!" one exclaimed.
"You owe us an explanation, or we're not leaving," another demanded.
"Exactly! You can't just change the rules. Why should we listen to you?"
"Break this agreement, and we'll take legal action. You won't get away with this!"
They all demanded answers while the media frantically captured the unfolding drama.
A reporter called out, "Mr. Yates, could you please explain what's happening here?"
Facing their accusations, Ethan remained remarkably composed. "I never promised to partner with them," he stated calmly.
"That's impossible!"
"We discussed all the details in the meeting room. You said we'd sign in three days!"
Ethan gave him a cold look. "Think carefully. Did I ever explicitly agree to a partnership?"
The man paused to reconsider, and his expression suddenly fell as realization dawned on him.
"You all jumped to conclusions," Ethan said with a smirk.
His statement caused an uproar in the hall.
With a confident smile, he continued, "The four names the host just announced are my actual partners. Now, I'd like to invite them to come up and sign the agreement."
The four rejected businessmen, who had been so certain of their success, were now publicly humiliated. They watched as four different people took the stage, including Liam from the White family and Doris from the Jones family, both looking at Ethan with admiration.
The rejected partners' faces burned with jealousy and rage from the public embarrassment.
Liam leaned in and whispered, "Nicely done, Ethan. You really put those guys in their place."
The White family didn't typically make investments, but Liam had decided just yesterday that the land would make an excellent location for a hotel development.
Doris, meanwhile, had supported Ethan unconditionally.
"Just wait," Ethan replied with a slight smile. "The best is yet to come."
As they prepared to sign the documents, a bold reporter asked, "Mr. Yates, did you change partners at the last minute to benefit your family members?"
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Not at all." He paused before adding, "I simply didn't want these unscrupulous businessmen to succeed."
The four rejected partners turned pale.
"Ethan, in business, integrity matters. Who are you calling unscrupulous?" one challenged.
"Whoever responds feels targeted, I suppose," Ethan replied coldly.
"You...!" The man fumed. "Don't slander me!"
"With so many media outlets present," Ethan responded, "let the evidence speak for itself."
He signaled to Diannel, who stepped forward with a stack of documents.
"The following evidence," Diannel announced, "reveals how these four businessmen conspired with Josselin to attempt a hostile takeover of the Yates Group."
The four men instantly lost their bravado, hanging their heads as Ethan gave them a contemptuous look that sent chills down their spines.
Meanwhile, Josselin was pacing anxiously just outside the conference room. Despite his expectations of victory, his heart was racing. As he was about to send a text message, several security guards surrounded him.
"What are you doing?" he shouted, attempting to escape. The guards quickly restrained him, handcuffing his arms behind his back.
"Let me go!" he demanded.
The guards remained silent as they escorted the struggling Josselin into the press conference.
When he arrived, Josselin knew something had gone terribly wrong. Audio recordings of his conversations with the four businessmen and Tony were playing over the speakers. His face drained of color—Ethan had tapped his phone!
Ethan stood calmly on stage, watching as Josselin was brought in.
"These four businessmen and Josselin are the real culprits," Ethan declared. "They plotted to take over the Yates Group, and the evidence is irrefutable."
The room erupted in shocked gasps and murmurs.
"Isn't he one of the second-round investors in the Yates Group project?" someone asked.
Ethan looked down at Josselin with a slight smirk, regarding him as if he were a pitiful dog.
"None of this is true!" Josselin shouted desperately. "I didn't do any of this! Don't listen to his lies!"
Just as he finished speaking, a voice cut through, "I have documentation showing how Josselin has used these same tactics to take over several companies over the years. He's a criminal!"
Josselin's eyes widened in shock as he turned to the speaker. "George, have you lost your mind?!" he snarled.
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