Sure enough, someone immediately stood on Elijah’s side and spoke up for him.
Some even stood up directly, expressing their support for Elijah to continue as the CEO. After all, Elijah’s abilities were evident to all. While their stock holdings might not be significant, the company’s favorable situation had brought them substantial dividends. With a change in leadership, could they still enjoy such effortless income?
Their attitude was skeptical, especially given Thorne Silverton’s recent actions, making both him and his father seem unreliable.
Of course, Jack had prearranged many board members to support Colton Silverton, so Colton was confident.
Originally, Jack supported Thorne because of his youth and some cunning tactics. However, due to Thorne’s involvement in the casino incident, he was under investigation and couldn’t come to the company. Additionally, Jack couldn’t convince the board members to support him.
Thus, he had to back Colton Silverton.
“I think Colton is more suitable. He’s older and more experienced. Is Elijah’s ability the only thing we should consider? Moreover, Colton is Elijah’s uncle; he should voluntarily give up the position and hand it over to his uncle instead of holding onto it himself!”
“You can’t judge ability solely based on age!” someone objected directly, not agreeing with that viewpoint. “Ability is about creating value. Colton has been idle for these years. He probably doesn’t even know what the current market looks like!”
The opposition was left speechless.
Although the Silverton family had accumulated immense wealth through generations, it was Elijah who had taken the company to new heights. Despite his youth, his achievements over the years were undeniable.
The vast conference room fell silent.
“We should consider qualifications in this matter…”
“What are qualifications? If we talk about qualifications, besides being a bit older, what does Colton have that can compare to Mr Elijah Silverton?”
Someone who intended to support Colton Silverton was about to speak, but was immediately silenced.
Elijah hadn’t approached these directors in advance, even though he knew that Jack would resort to this strategy. He had a trump card, so he didn’t care about the position of CEO at Headence Group. He just found Jack’s ruthlessness chilling-no, the entire Silverton family were cold-blooded creatures, including himself.
“Director Silverton, if you have a conclusion, tell me directly,” Elijah, bored with the discussion, stood up.
“We are in the middle of a board meeting. How can you leave the meeting room casually?” Jack said angrily.
He felt that those siding with Elijah were his planted people, intentionally opposing him. Now that Elijah left the meeting room, it was a clear sign of disrespect and lack of regard for him. Elijah’s gaze glanced over, devoid of any warmth. “Whether it’s dismissal or leaving the company, I don’t care.”
He didn’t regard Headence Group highly. In the past three years, he had moved all the company’s operations to his overseas business. With him, Headence Group remained a behemoth; without him, it was nothing.
“If you want it, take it.” Elijah remained indifferent, neither urgent nor leisurely. His demeanor surprised Jack. But soon, Jack realized.
Was this intentional?
After all, some had vigorously supported him just now.
Jack didn’t believe Elijah had done nothing behind the scenes. He couldn’t believe that Elijah didn’t care about the Silverton family’s assets or the position of CEO at Headence Group.
“Director, I think the stock’s decline this time is entirely due to Thorne Silverton’s misconduct outside. It was exposed by the media, leading to the current situation. Even if we want to hold someone responsible, it should be Thorne Silverton. Considering he is currently under investigation, Colton should explain this matter, especially since Thorne is his son.”
When Elijah announced his departure, some people panicked. Not all the directors were fools; some were smart and understood Elijah’s value. If he left the group, the group would no longer be itself. Therefore, they desperately wanted to keep him.
Colton Silverton couldn’t contain his frustration, “This mess was indeed caused by Thorne, but as the company’s manager, shouldn’t Elijah have taken measures to minimize the damage? I heard he didn’t even bother dealing with it himself, just tossed it to the PR department. Those PR folks are useless, couldn’t even draft a proper protocol, and now things are a complete disaster!”
The conference room fell silent once again.
Due to Elijah’s failure to take action as the manager, the stocks plummeted. In all fairness, Colton Silverton had a point. Not hearing anything new, Elijah walked out of the conference room.
Colton slammed the table, “Elijah, you stop right there! What’s with this attitude? Your grandfather is still here; how can you be so uncouth? Even if your grandfather weren’t here, I’m still your uncle. How can you just walk away like that?”
Elijah didn’t pause for a moment, not even sparing a glance.
Colton was furious, “Father, look, he’s been spoiled by you. He doesn’t even understand basic manners!”
Jack knew Elijah’s temperament. He fell into contemplation, wondering whether Elijah was indifferent to the position of the president or he had a hidden agenda.
“Father…”
“Shut up!” Jack glared at his son, wondering why he couldn’t keep his composure. Why was he more impulsive than a younger generation?
“Since everyone has their own opinions and no consensus for now, let’s adjourn this meeting,” Jack sensed something amiss and decided to end the meeting.
“Mr Chairman, I believe there might be reasons behind this incident. Mr Elijah Silverton has always been meticulous about the company’s affairs, which is evident to everyone. Besides, nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. I don’t think we need to change the president over this.”
Some were still staunchly supporting Elijah. Jack nodded on the surface, but he had different plans in mind. It seemed like he needed to take action against Elijah.
“I will consider it carefully,” Jack Silverton said.
Colton, upon hearing this, panicked, thinking his father might support Elijah again. That would make all his efforts in vain. “Father…”
“I know what I’m doing,” Jack cut off his son.
Colton had no choice but to keep quiet for now. But deep down, he was extremely anxious.
…
Freya stayed at Elijah’s residence, taking care of Kai. Sometimes, even when Kai was asleep, she wouldn’t put him down and let him sleep in her arms. Elijah arranged for a doctor to come and examine Kai, but it was just temporary. Orion Russo’s contacts hadn’t arrived yet.
At this moment, Kai finished drinking his formula and seemed more energetic. He hummed and babbled in Freya’s arms.
“Little one, when will you start calling me ‘mama’? Hmm?”
Freya kissed his cheek and whispered, “My little treasure, grow up quickly.”
Suddenly, her phone on the table vibrated. Glancing at it, it was a call from home. She answered, hearing Elowen’s voice, “Freya, something happened to Zane.”
“What happened to him?”
“I’m not entirely sure. I just got a call from the hospital, saying they are in the middle of resuscitation…”
Freya quickly figured out what might have happened and said, “Mom, you go check on him.”
“What about you?” Elowen asked.
“I can’t go right now.” Freya held Kai, and for one, she couldn’t leave this place. Second, she needed to confirm whether this was related to Elijah.
“Okay, take good care of Kai. I’ll call you if anything happens here.” Elowen said.
Freya nodded.
After hanging up the phone, she sat on the sofa for a few seconds. Then, she got up, carrying Kai, and walked to the door. She said to the bodyguard outside, “I’m going out. Get the car ready.”
“Where are you going?” the bodyguard asked.
Freya said, “I’m going to see Elijah.” She addressed him by his name directly.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Instead of finding a driver, two bodyguards came to drive, ensuring her safety. Kai fidgeted in her arms, his hands moving restlessly, even grabbing Freya’s hair.
In no time, the car arrived at Headence Group. Freya, holding Kai, was about to get out of the car when the bodyguard opened the door for her. With her child in her arms, she got out of the car, taking the elevator directly to the top floor. Having been here before, she knew the location of Elijah’s office. Walking with ease, she pushed open the office door, only to see a woman seductively draped over Elijah’s desk.