"Chasel." Suri's voice brimmed with joy, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.
The crowd, upon witnessing the sudden appearance of the younger Bright, were taken aback, their initial shock quickly morphing into disdain.
Everybody knew that he had been edged out by the Bright family, never involved in the business, relegated to a mere office doctor poring over CT scans, clueless about the market's ebbs and flows.
Not to mention, he was mired in scandal, his intimate photos with Cassius plastered everywhere, tarnishing the Bright family's reputation.
"Mr. Bright, this is a board meeting, not one of those bars you frequent. You're a bit out of your element here!"
The director's mocking words sparked a wave of snickers among the attendees.
"You're standing on Bright territory, I'm a Bright, and if you can't respect that, at least show some basic decency. Or is that too much for your brain to handle?"
Chasel's eyes narrowed, a chill flashing through them, "Would you dare such insolence in front of my grandfather, my father?"
The director, choked with rage, nearly bit his tongue in frustration.
Another voice piped up indignantly, "Mr. Bright, the boardroom is a place of seriousness. Irrelevant persons have no business here!"
"Oh, so you do know it's supposed to be a serious place?"
Chasel couldn't help but chuckle, "When I walked in, I thought I'd stumbled into a kennel. A bunch of old dogs, snarling over their bones without a shred of dignity. If I hadn't shown up, I was afraid they'd turn on my aunt, and then we'd have to worry about rabies shots."
Suri shook her head, a smile playing on her lips.
This boy, always so sharp-tongued, fiercely protective.
Whether it was Cassius' fortune or misfortune, only time would tell.
The instigators, now as red as boiled lobsters, could only stew in their humiliation, unable to directly respond without incriminating themselves.
"I know you all don't welcome me, and frankly, the feeling is mutual. It seems we're at a mutual understanding then."
With a scoff, Chasel casually tossed a document onto the conference table, "I may not know much about business, but I do know that shares talk. This is a transfer of shares from my father, Zachary, all to my aunt Suri. My shares, too, are now hers."
A slight smile curved his lips as he thought of someone, a soft glow in his eyes, "Oh, but that's not all. During our stock's downturn, a mysterious buyer went on a spree, securing a significant portion of Bright Group shares. He now owns ten percent and is one of the shareholders. Just before, he called to say if needed, he's willing to hand over all his shares to my aunt and fully supports her taking over my father's position as the chairman of the Bright Group. Any objections?"
As the directors passed the transfer document around, their faces turned ashen, their arrogance deflated.
Then, one by one, they raised their hands in vote, their stance completely reversed, supporting Suri's ascension.
Chasel let out a silent sigh of relief, maintaining composure despite his racing heart.
His goal had been achieved.
Just as Chasel was about to leave, having accomplished his mission, Suri called out to him:
"Chasel, please wait."
He turned, puzzled, facing her determined expression.
"Now, as the new chairman of the group, I have an announcement to make."
Suri's voice was firm, commanding attention, "Due to my nephew Warner's passing, the president's position within the Bright Group is vacant. As of today, Chasel will assume the role of group president. Any objections?"
Her words, echoing with authority, left no room for challenge.
Was it the influence of Emeric, or simply her own innate dignity? Despite being a woman in a man's world, her presence demanded respect.
"Auntie." Chasel was stunned, speechless.
What could the dissenters do? Not only did she hold a significant share and veto power, but she also had formidable support behind her, securing her position.
As the meeting concluded, the announcement of Suri and Chasel's new roles hit the screens of all Bright Group employees.
Stepping into the CEO's office, Chasel immediately sought refuge in Cassius’ embrace, his face glistening with a slight sheen of sweat as he nestled against his shoulder.
In his partner's arms, all of Chasel's tensions dissolved, his worries melting away.
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