Chapter 605 Martha and Ian's Fate
Samuel left.
Martha wanted to chase after him but was stopped by the police.
Everything was revealed, and the farce was over. Martin, with an air of authority, raised his right hand and gestured dismissively. "Take them away," he commanded.A police officer moved to each of the accused, securing them in handcuffs. Martha and Ian were led away, their fates sealed. Ian, overwhelmed by the shocking revelations, had lost his ability to react or resist. He was led away by the police, his face a mask of stunned disbelief.Martha, on the other hand, was not silenced. She spat out curses and threats with relentless fury. "Martin, I won't be defeated by you. I will return for my revenge... you wait... I will seek vengeance... I will kill you... kill you..."As the conference room doors swung shut, Martha's voice faded, her threats becoming fainter and more distant until they were swallowed by silence. An eerie quiet descended upon the room. Every person present held their breath, their eyes fixed on the closed conference room door. No one dared to shatter the suffocating silence with the first spoken word. The secrets they had learned that day were too explosive, too dangerous. Fear gripped them, the fear of being silenced to prevent the secrets from leaking. The situation felt surreal, more like a plot from a television drama than an event in their real lives.The silence was oppressive, the air in the conference room chilling. Everyone kept their heads lowered, trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. Patricia, sensing the need to break the silence, was about to speak when she noticed Maria crawling up from the conference table, reaching out for Martin."Daddy, hug, Daddy hug... I'm scared... Maria's scared..." Martin immediately lifted her from the conference table. The sudden exertion left him breathless, a sharp pain stabbing through his chest. He furrowed his brow, calculating the time. His medication was nearly due. Without missing a beat, he turned to Alan, who understood the unspoken request and took Maria into his arms. "Maria, I have some unfinished business. Alan, would you mind holding her?"
Maria, oblivious to the tense atmosphere, giggled and playfully tapped her little head against Alan's chest.Martin summoned the butler to assist Declan, and once again, the conference room fell into a hushed silence. Ignoring the discomfort wracking his body, Martin took Patricia's hand and led her to the main seat, standing by her side.The executives and shareholders quickly took their seats. Martin stood beside Patricia, exuding an aura of natural authority. "From today onwards, Patricia officially takes over as the president of the Langley Group. She has full authority and decision-making power over all company matters." He paused, his gaze icy as he asked sternly, "Do you understand?"The room remained silent, heads bowed. It was clear they were unhappy with his decision, but none dared to voice their objections.
Martin's brow furrowed in irritation. "Must I repeat myself?" he demanded.
In the midst of the palpable tension, a shareholder tentatively lifted his hand, his voice barely above a whisper, "Mr. Langley, we... we genuinely hope for your continued leadership of the company. Our faith rests with you."Martin's lips formed a thin line, his reply frosty. "Are you suggesting that Sullivan's commitment and proficiency have been inadequate in her temporary tenure?"The shareholder hurriedly shook his head, scrambling to clarify, "No, not at all. We acknowledge Sullivan's capabilities and the significant contributions she's made to the company recently! However, she is, after all, a woman... and moreover, we're accustomed to your leadership, Mr. Langley..."His voice dwindled as he continued speaking.He was aware that his argument held no water.The shareholders were solely interested in profitability. As long as they received their annual dividends, there was no need for them to meddle in the company's affairs.Furthermore, everyone had observed Patricia's actions within the company during this period, yet they subconsciously believed that she couldn't shoulder such a colossal responsibility, simply because she was a woman. Martin instantly perceived his underlying thoughts, and his expression turned icy."Is it because you can't adapt to her management style, or is it because she's a woman?"The shareholder was rendered speechless.Martin didn't let him off the hook and continued to press. "There are capable women all over the world, and the Langley Group also has female shareholders. So what? Are their abilities stifled just because of their gender?"Immediately, a female shareholder spoke up in agreement.
"Yeah! What's wrong with women? Are women really inferior to men? Sullivan can undoubtedly manage the company well. Besides, Mr. Langley is supporting her. Together, they can elevate the company even further.From that moment on, no one dared to utter a word of dissent.Martin swept the room with his piercing gaze, denying them the opportunity to object, and concluded the meeting."That's settled, the meeting is adjourned!"At his command, everyone rose to leave, not daring to linger.Even those with lingering questions swallowed their words, casting him a profound look before departing.Martin watched everyone leave.He waited until the meeting room door was securely closed.
He made sure there were no outsiders.Only then did Martin finally cover his mouth with one hand, place the other hand on his chest, bow his head, and succumb to a violent coughing fit.Patricia was taken aback and immediately began patting his back to aid his breathing.This time, Martin's cough was more severe than before.It seemed as though he was coughing so intensely that he might lose his breath, his face flushing a deep red. Even his eyes were heavily bloodshot.Suddenly, he felt a warm, damp sensation in his palm.Realizing the implication, he froze.The pain in his chest intensified.Patricia, her eyes reddening with worry, pleaded anxiously, "Why is your cough so severe this time? Let's go to the hospital!"Coughing was unlike asthma or heart disease; there was no miracle cure that provided instant relief.The treatment process for a persistent cough was very lengthy.So, as Martin coughed, all she could do was fret by his side.To alleviate Patricia's concern, Martin waited until his breath steadied, his cough subsided, and the pain in his chest eased. He wiped away the blood stains from the corner of his mouth with his fingers and discreetly clenched his hand into a fist, tucking it by his side."I'm fine, don't worry."Patricia asked, "Are you really okay?"
Martin smiled and said, "I'm really fine. It's just a recurring problem. I am just a bit tired, that's all."Patricia hung her head in guilt, chastising herself, "I'm sorry, I'm useless. You're already so sick, yet you still had to speak up for me."Martin tenderly stroked her head with the hand that was previously pressed against his chest and said, "You're my wife. It's my duty as your husband to protect you."Patricia was moved to tears.Martin's mouth tightened as he excused himself, "I need to use the restroom."Patricia gave a nod of understanding, "Sure, I'll come with you."Once inside the sanctuary of the men's restroom, Martin positioned himself before the sink. Unfurling his clenched hand, he was confronted with the stark sight of blood coating his palm.
The bright red blood contrasted sharply against the soft skin of his palm.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
