Chapter 601 It Really is Martin
In a moment of startling revelation, Martin's face was laid bare for all to see.The conference room echoed with the collective gasp of its occupants.As if on cue, every eye in the room widened, breaths held in shock as they stared at Martin's unveiled countenance, momentarily paralyzed by the surprise.Ian's words died on his lips.He gazed at Martin, his disbelief mirrored in his dilating pupils, which were filled with a fear more profound than if he had encountered a ghost."You...you...""What are you doing..." Martha's brow furrowed in impatience as she followed Ian's gaze to Martin. Upon recognizing the man before her, she nearly bit her tongue in surprise."Martin..."Her voice cracked on the utterance of his name."Why is it you? How could it be you? Aren't you dead? How are you here? And... why are you disguised as James?"Mr. and Madam Langley, leaning on each other for support, approached Martin. Their hands, trembling with anticipation, reached out to touch his face, as if to confirm the reality of his presence.The warmth of his skin met their touch.It was undeniably warm.They pinched his face, unable to resist the urge to confirm his corporeal existence.Despite his gaunt appearance, he was palpably real.Their grandson, Martin, was alive."Martin, you... you've finally returned... you're not dead... not dead..."Overwhelmed with emotion, they embraced Martin, their tears flowing freely.Martin felt a pang of discomfort, but he held back his own tears and managed to say, "I'm sorry for causing you such distress."Mr. and Madam Langley quickly shook their heads in unison. "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. As long as you're back, that's all that matters."Their sadness was insignificant in the face of Martin's return.They would willingly sacrifice their own lives for his.Martin gently patted their backs and said, "You two should go now. I'll handle the current situation. Once everything is resolved, I'll come back and apologize properly."Mr. Langley responded, "No need for apologies. Just promise to visit us! Patricia has suffered greatly; we haven't been able to protect her as we should have. You must take good care of her. Our family owes her a great debt."Martin smiled and replied, "I will! She is my wife. It's my duty to protect her."Mr. Langley nodded in approval. "Good, good. Then your grandmother and I will leave you to it. We don't want to hold you back!"With that, the elderly couple released their hold on Martin and departed, leaning on each other for support.Before leaving, they turned to Patricia and said, "Patricia, with Martin here, we can rest easy. He will certainly protect you.""Mm! Take care."
Patricia nodded, watching as Mr. and Madam Langley made their exit.By this point, everyone was certain that the man before them was their boss, Martin.He had worn a mask, deliberately altering his voice and tone.But once the mask was removed, both the face and voice were unmistakably Martin's.Excitement surged through the room as everyone rushed to surround Martin."Mr. Langley, it's so good that you're not dead. Do you know how much we missed you?""You're back. Our company is no longer in disarray. This is wonderful, just wonderful...""Mr. Langley, with your return, our company is saved...""Why didn't you come back sooner if you weren't dead? If you had, Dorian wouldn't have dared to cause trouble."Only now did they fully realize Mr. Langley's importance to them and to the company.They discovered that the company could only function with Mr. Langley at the helm.
Only Mr. Langley could lead the company towards a prosperous future.
Martha discreetly signaled Ian, her intention to slip away clear while the crowd quietly surrounded Martin. Yet, just as they neared the door, Martin's spectral voice echoed through the room."Stop right there."Lock the door. We shall meticulously resolve today's affairs, and until such resolution is reached, no one is allowed to leave."
The pair of security guards stationed outside the door promptly complied, shutting it and standing guard, allowing no one to exit.Martha and Ian's faces contorted with fury as they spun around, their glares piercing Martin. "What is the meaning of this? Isn't this enough for you?"Martin, impatiently parting the crowd encircling him, strode confidently towards Ian, Maria clutched in his arms."Who, do you think, plotted with her to end my life?"Ian found himself at a loss for words, his face a mask of bewilderment.Martin continued his interrogation, his voice heavy with accusation, "Did you think it was me?"Once again, Ian was left speechless, his confusion deepening.Martin let out a derisive chuckle, unveiling his true grievance, "I see, in my absence, this is the courtesy you extended to my wife and children?"Ian remained silent, his repeated inability to respond revealing an internal turmoil growing within him.Martha swiftly moved to shield Randy Langley behind her, her argument filled with irrationality, "What has this woman been telling you? She's been unfaithful, and yet you still defend her?"Martin raised an eyebrow. "Unfaithful?"
Martha defiantly lifted her chin, showing no fear, "What? Isn't it the truth? Do you think everyone will believe you're James just because you're impersonating him? Don't be naive. This woman is promiscuous. During your years of separation, she's had dubious relationships with Frank Taylor, Hunter, and now James. She's deceived so many, yet you continue to defend her. Be careful she doesn't sell you off to human traffickers! Just now, the two appraisers conducted a paternity test in front of everyone. Maria is not your child. Instead of seeking clarification, you're here bullying your brother."You deserve Patricia's betrayal. Even now, you can't discern who your real family is and who truly cares about you."Maria couldn't fully comprehend the words being exchanged, but her instincts told her that her father was being wronged. In a burst of righteous anger, she raised her hand and delivered a resounding slap to Martha's cheek."Meanie, stop picking on my daddy..."The slap echoed sharply throughout the room.Despite her tender age and the usual lack of control over her strength, Maria's slap was potent, striking Martha's face with a surprising firmness that left her stunned."You little brat, how dare you strike my mother..."Ian, consumed by rage, felt a surge of retaliation towards Maria.Patricia, gasping for breath, wanted to rush over to protect Maria, but Martin preempted her, landing a harsh kick to Ian's abdomen."Ugh..."The kick connected forcefully, causing Ian to grunt in pain. He clutched his abdomen and crumpled to the ground. Veins bulged on his forehead, and beads of sweat, the size of beans, broke out on his skin."How dare you touch my daughter, do you wish to die?"Martin's gaze was icy as he looked down at Ian.If not for his frail health, the force of that kick would have sent Ian flying several meters away.