Chapter 600 Martin Arrives in the Nick of Time
The Langley Group's shareholders and top executives would never forget the sound of Martin's footsteps. They had heard them countless times during shareholder meetings and high-level conferences. His arrival was always punctual, a constant rhythm that resonated outside the conference room.To them, Martin's footsteps were the most terrifying sound in the world. Each time they echoed, a wave of fear would grip them so tightly they could hardly breathe. As the footsteps drew nearer, the sound became more ominous, amplifying in their ears. Each step seemed to suspend their breath, each tap causing their breaths to hitch.Yet, in this moment, they found the sound to be the most beautiful in the world. It was as if a beam of light had pierced through their dark road, a beacon illuminating their lives. Everyone held their breath, afraid they were hallucinating, their eyes eagerly fixed on the conference room door.Martha observed everyone's reaction, her brows furrowing slightly in confusion. She couldn't understand why the room had suddenly fallen silent. Who had arrived to elicit such a unanimous reaction from them?Patricia and Alan exchanged a glance, both wearing expressions of shock. They recognized the sound as Martin's footsteps. But wasn't Martin missing? How could he be here?Just as their confusion peaked, the conference room door was pushed open from the outside. The first thing that caught their eye was a man dressed in a handcrafted Italian suit. He had sharp features, a high bridge on his nose, and deep, calm eyes that concealed a sharpness akin to an eagle. His movements were dignified and elegant.But this man was not Martin. It was James. He, too, wore a mask like James. The only difference was his short bangs, revealing his nose and eyes. His stature, however, remained unchanged. Over time, he had become inseparable from Patricia, almost being together every day. They had seen him more times than they had seen Martin recently. So, they recognized him at a glance.Upon seeing that it was James, everyone's eyes dimmed. They realized then the benevolence of Mr. Langley. Despite his strictness and the pressure he exerted, it was at least more relaxed now. Everyone was vying for the position of president, disregarding the company's interests.Mr. Langley was not familiar with James. When he saw the man enter, his body froze. He stared at him for a long time, unable to react.Samuel's face cycled through a range of emotions, his anger causing his lips to tremble. "Patricia, how dare you bring another man to the company! Do you really think that all of us in the Langley family are dead?"Martha seized the opportunity to attack her. "Do you think just because Mr. Langley supports you, that you don't even bother pretending? Dressing him in Martin's clothes too. What? Are you trying to imitate him? You really don't take us seriously anymore?"Ian nodded in agreement. "Yeah, a woman like you should not be managing a company. It's ridiculous."Patricia's expression turned cold, and she refused to back down. She retorted, "I think you guys are ridiculous, not even recognizing him and yet claiming to be family."Ian frowned. "What do you mean?"Before Patricia could respond, Maria provided the answer. Seeing Martin, she excitedly opened her arms. "Daddy, hold me, Daddy...I want Daddy's hug..."Ian, still failing to connect the dots, thought he finally had something to use against Patricia and excitedly said, "What else do you have to say? Even the child is calling him Daddy."His stupidity amused Patricia.
At that moment, both Mr. and Madam Langley came to a startling realization. Madam Langley, immobilized by her hold on Maria, could only watch as Mr. Langley, leaning heavily on his cane, made his way to Martin. His grip on Martin's arm was shaky as he stammered, "Martin, you're not dead...you're not dead...you finally came back...if you hadn't, your grandma and I would have joined you."Ian's voice cut through the silence, his words sharp and bitter. "Shane, Martin died a long time ago; he is James; I am your only grandson now; why do you always favor someone else."Martha echoed his sentiments, her voice laced with frustration. "Yeah, Dad, you've mistaken him. He is not Martin; he is James; he just looks like Martin. Martin is already dead. Why do you always defend a stranger but never look at Ian directly? He's so filial to you."Mr. Langley seemed not to hear them, his focus solely on Martin.Maria, still in Madam Langley's arms, was waving at Martin. Martin approached, taking the child from Madam Langley. Maria immediately planted a small kiss on his mask."Daddy, Daddy...Maria likes Daddy..."Martin coughed, discomfort etched on his face.Maria gently patted his back. "Be good. Patting will make the cough go away... pat gently..."Martin's heart softened at her gesture. He carried her to the main seat, settling her on his lap, one hand supporting his back, the other resting on the armrest of the chair.The room erupted in a cacophony of voices."Is he openly declaring that she's his daughter?""This is too audacious. Because of his good relationship with Patricia and Mr. Langley, he just sat there without a care.""Yeah! The matter hasn't even settled, yet he's already assuming that position is his.""Are mistresses really this arrogant now? This is blatant provocation!"Martha, however, was not angry. Instead, she was thrilled by his audacity.She mused, 'Go ahead and make a scene! The more serious the situation gets, the further he is from becoming the CEO. It would be best if it drove the older man to death. Then, there will be no one left to support Patricia.'Ian stormed over, intent on pulling him off the seat."Get off! Is this your seat? Who do you think you are?"Martin brushed off his hand and asked expressionlessly, "Then tell me, who should be sitting here? You?"Ian stuttered, "Even if it's not me...it definitely isn't you! This is the Langley Group. You have nothing to do with this company."Martin tapped his slender fingers on the armrest."So, just for this position, all of you gang up on a widowed mother?"Ian insisted, "She seduced you and got my brother killed. A woman like her has no right to stay here. It would be merciful enough to call the police and have her arrested."Martin raised an eyebrow. "Empty words, where's the evidence? Evidence that she killed Martin?"Ian was silenced, unable to find a response. His face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Who do you think you are? What right do you have to talk to me like this? It was said to be premeditated, so how come you all couldn't find evidence? You--"Before he could finish, Martin extended his hand and slowly pulled down his mask.
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