Chapter 519 Rebellion
Three days later, the Langley Group convened yet another crucial shareholders' meeting in the expansive conference room atop the company's headquarters. Shareholders of all sizes, even those away on vacation, hastened back for the occasion. Max, the second-largest shareholder and a pivotal figure in the company alongside Martin, presided over the meeting.
"We urgently need to appoint a new CEO to steer us through this crisis," someone asserted.
Suddenly, a voice interjected, "Ian would be an ideal choice. As Martin's brother, he's the rightful heir now that Martin is gone."
Agreement rippled through the room. "Ian is from the Langley family—they understand the business. His perceived underperformance was due to Martin's overshadowing. Trusting him with the company is a natural progression."
"I support Ian."
"Count me in too."
A chorus of voices echoed, rallying behind Ian, while a handful of shareholders remained silent.
A woman in her forties, her brow furrowed with determination, spoke up coldly, "I disagree."
"Why?" another shareholder asked. "Who could be more suitable than Ian, given his background and capabilities?"
The woman replied, "Ian lacks both status and competence. He has a meager five percent ownership compared to Martin's fifty-five percent. His capability remains unproven, and his reputation as a playboy casts doubts on his suitability. Handing over the company to him, a Langley or not, would be reckless."
A shareholder retorted, "Mr. Langley's son legally inherits the majority shares. But he's just a child. Are you suggesting we entrust the company to a five-year-old?"
"That's not what I said," the woman said.
The shareholder persisted, "According to the shares, they should go to the child or his mother, Patricia. But what does she know about running a company? As Martin's brother, Ian has the right to hold onto the shares for Martin's son until he comes of age "
The woman arched an eyebrow, sensing ulterior motives behind the shareholder's arguments.
Martin's child was only five, thirteen years away from the age of majority. With the shares under Ian Langley's control for thirteen years, would he willingly give them up when the time came?
"Whoever inherits Mr. Langley's shares," she countered, "the decision lies with his family, not us. If Patricia wishes to appoint a temporary CEO, that's her prerogative."
"You're joking," the man scoffed. "Handing the reins to someone that isn't a Langley? Do you think they would care as much for the company as Ian, especially during these turbulent times?"
"That's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?"
The woman's face flushed with frustration. She desperately wanted to preserve Martin's shares and his company, but the harsh reality was right before her eyes; no matter how willing she was, she couldn't change the facts.
The other dissenting voices also quieted down.
Max spoke up, "If there are no objections, then let's unanimously decide that Ian will be the new president of the Langley Group. Mr. Langley's shares will be temporarily entrusted to him until his son, Charles, comes of age."
That was a thought for later. When the time came, who would care about returning the shares? In thirteen years, countless methods could be used to make the shares one's own.
As Max concluded, the office door swung open, and in walked Ian, Martha, and Samuel. Ian, leading the pack, strolled in with his hands pocketed, the picture of authority. Martha threw Max a knowing glance. The trio took their seats.
Alan, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke up. "I object!"
Heads turned in unison, fixing their gazes on him.
Alan distributed a file to every person in the boardroom, calmly stating, "These are all Ian's deeds. Three years ago, he drugged and raped a woman, which led to her suicide. His mother, Martha, swept the incident under the rug with five million dollars.
"Two years ago, he gambled away a hundred million, nearly losing his fingers to debt collectors, and once again, his mother cleaned up his mess.
"One year ago, he was caught using drugs and detained, and surprise—Martha settled the matter with a million dollars.
"And just six months ago, he was swindled out of fifty million in a business venture. As the legal representative, he was almost detained.
"What I've presented is just the tip of the iceberg. Over the years, every scandal and misstep he's made is right here in this file. Take a look and then decide if such a person should be running the company."
Samuel's aged face transformed from pale to flushed anger. He had been unaware of his youngest son's tumultuous life and felt betrayed by Martha's secrecy, which made him feel like a stranger in his own family.
Ian jumped to his feet, incensed. "Alan, who do you think you are to investigate me?"
Martha shot him a warning glance, struggling to maintain a strained smile. "Alan, I understand your loyalty to Martin, but if you have concerns about my son's leadership, please voice them openly. There's no need for personal attacks. After years of working alongside Martin, resorting to such tactics is beneath you, isn't it?"
With a sneer, Alan calmly responded, "I anticipated your reaction, which is why I've brought the official records. While Ian hasn't faced legal consequences, official documentation exists. I can fabricate many things, but official seals don't lie."
Martha was speechless, her frustration bubbling inside her.
Finally, she said, "That's all in the past. Everyone has a history. We can't judge a person solely on their past mistakes. Right?"
"I agree. If someone acknowledges their mistakes and works to rectify them, they deserve a chance."
Thinking she had swayed him, Martha nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Let's focus on the present and future. Ian is committed to change and will steer clear of trouble."
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