Chapter 521 Patricia's Stunning Rebuttal
As soon as Patricia finished her declaration, the conference room fell into a deathly silence, so profound that a pin drop could be heard.
Max was the first to burst into laughter, and soon, the others joined in, filling the room with mocking laughter.
Martha sneered. "Who do you think you are, taking over the Langley Group? That's the most hilarious joke I've ever heard. Do you honestly believe you can just waltz in and assume control? Spare us the embarrassment and return to your place."
Ian, equally disdainful, chimed in. "I'm showing restraint only because you're a woman! Leave this place! What business do you have with the Langley Group? Aren't you supposed to be practicing medicine? My brother was fine until he met you. We've been generous enough not to kick you out already. Yet here you are, acting all high and mighty!"
Patricia didn't engage or attempt to halt their laughter.
Once their laughter subsided, she crossed her arms and said calmly, "I assume you're all aware of Mr. Martin's will? As his wife, upon his passing, I am the primary beneficiary. He owned 55% of the Langley Group's shares, half of which are now mine. The remaining half is to be divided equally among our five children. After distribution, the rest is to be divided among his parents, half-brother, and grandparents.
"So, after calculations, I hold 30% of the Langley Group's shares. My children collectively hold 20%. That leaves 5% to be divided among Samuel, Martha, Ian, and the grandparents. The grandparents have signed a contract, transferring their 2% to me, increasing my share to 32%. As the sole guardian of my minor children, I am entitled to manage their shares temporarily. In total, I control 52% of the Langley Group's shares."
After presenting the facts, she turned to Ian, asking, "Do you understand what I'm saying, or should I simplify it further for you?"
Ian, taken aback by Patricia's assertiveness, was speechless. In his memory, Patricia was gentle and quiet; he never anticipated such a transformation in just a few years.
"You, a doctor with no experience, will run this company into the ground one day," he retorted.
Patricia shot back, "I don't need your doubts. Understand that I'm here to reclaim what's rightfully mine and my children's. Whether I manage the company myself or entrust it to Alan is none of your concern."
"Aren't you worried about his motives?" Ian said.
"Martin trusted him, and so do I. He has faithfully served the company for years. If he had selfish intentions, why wait until now? I acknowledge his contributions and will continue to do so."
Alan was moved to tears by her words; the feeling of being trusted was truly wonderful.
The first director to express support for Patricia was an influential woman, stating, "I approve of Mrs. Watson assuming control of the Langley Group and appointing Alan as acting CEO."
Several of her supporters quickly raised their hands in agreement.
"Alan's competence is widely recognized. Rather than leaving the company in the inexperienced hands of Ian, I support Alan continuing to manage it."
"I agree, too."
"Alan's loyalty is unquestionable. I trust him!"
Martha's fury was palpable, her hand twitching as if she might overturn the table. But she kept her composure. After all, she always had a backup plan, a contingency for every scenario.
With a smirk, she slid the prepared documents across the table to Patricia, boasting, "What you fail to grasp is that Martin had long drafted his will. It clearly states that in the event of his passing, the company would temporarily fall under the control of my son, Ian, who would also safeguard his 55% shares until Martin's son comes of age. And as for you—nothing. Not a single mention."
The folders she presented were quickly snatched up by everyone present, eager to inspect the contents.
"It appears to be the will indeed. The distribution is meticulously detailed, and the law firm's seal lends credibility."
"The handwriting on the back matches Martin's signature."
"Could this really be his final will?"
"It seems he anticipated trouble and made preparations in advance."
"Then let's proceed as per the will!"
Martha observed Patricia with a smug satisfaction. She had meticulously crafted the fake will, ensuring every clause seemed plausible and beyond suspicion.
The female director examined the so-called will Martha was referring to—the seal was there, the signature intact, every term clearly spelled out in black and white—she was rendered speechless.
Max saw his chance. "Well, if that's the case, then we should—"
"Hold on!" Patricia interjected, raising her hand with a smile. "What an interesting coincidence! I, too, possess a will signed by my husband, and its contents are the complete antithesis of yours!"
Martha's expression darkened. "Impossible. Yours must be a forgery. The one I possess is authentic."
Patricia couldn't help but laugh at the assertion. "Forgery? And yet you claim yours is genuine? I shared the same bed with Martin every night, and he never once mentioned any such will to me." Pointing at the date on her document, she continued, "And this is dated March of this year."
Martha's complexion shifted between pale and flushed . "What are you laughing at?"
Tears of amusement glistened in Patricia's eyes. "Perhaps you're unaware that, in March, we were abroad in Country Y. If you doubt me, feel free to check the exit and entry records. Furthermore, I encountered a small issue and spent three days in jail. There's a record of it at the police station."
Martha's face turned ashen as she realized her blunder. In her haste to forge the will, she had overlooked Martin's whereabouts at the time.
"Furthermore..." Patricia paused, her voice rising with emphasis, "Why would Martin choose to create a will outside the purview of our company's legal department? He has always had a personal legal advisor. Why would he seek out a distant law firm instead?"
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