Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Javier took a sip of water, but his throat remained dry. “I hope everyone here will not let this incident cloud their judgment of Justin. After all, you’ve all witnessed his capability as the president of Walsh Group.”
His stance was unmistakable. Javier was defending Justin’s position with everything he had. However, it was only natural. As the eldest son and Javier’s chosen successor, Justin had always been favored.
Javier’s bias ran so deep that he would fight the world to protect Justin.
No matter how impeccable Jeremy’s achievements were, he would never receive that same unwavering support. Some things were decided at birth.
No matter how much Jeremy struggled to bridge the gap, he would always be one step behind.
Even so, due process had to be followed, especially after such an incident.
With a serious expression, Javier continued, “Now, we shall proceed with a vote to reaffirm Justin’s position as president of Walsh Group-“
Before he could finish, the conference room doors swung open.
Every head turned at once.
For a brief moment, shock rippled through the room. Then, as if by instinct, everyone shot to their feet, hurriedly buttoning their suits. They nodded in unison at the man who had just arrived.
Ben pushed Newton into the conference room as the latter sat in his wheelchair with an air of sovereignty.
A chorus of voices greeted him.
“Mr. Newton.”
Justin’s gaze darkened.
Javier stood quickly. “Dad? What brings you here?”
“Grandpa?” Jeremy, too, rose to his feet.
Surprise flickered in his eyes, but concern soon followed. Newton was well past his prime, and his health had long been in decline. He had stepped away from corporate affairs years ago to enjoy his retirement. While he still held a seat on the board, he hadn’t participated in decision-making for years.
Javier had been entrusted with full authority.
Yet, today, Newton had made an appearance at the board meeting.
It was a rare seismic event.
Jeremy wasn’t alone in his surprise at Newton’s appearance. Javier and Justin were equally unaware he’d be attending the board meeting.
Despite his age, Newton exuded the same energy and sharpness he had in his younger days, even when surrounded by the board members brimming with vigor.
Despite his quiet presence in the wheelchair, an intimidating atmosphere clung to him.
In an instant, Javier was transported back to the days when he worked under Newton’s strict supervision.
“Good day, Mr. Javier and all fellow board members. I assume no one has any objections to my presence at this meeting?”
Newton’s gaze swept across the room, a perfunctory smile gracing his lips.
“Of course not. You are part of the corporation’s board of directors!” the members responded immediately.
Newton nodded. “Much has happened within the corporation lately. Our shares have been fluctuating amid the controversy.
“As you all know, I had intended to retire after dedicating most of my life to this company. I wanted to step aside for the younger generation rather than hover over them like a specter, micromanaging everything.
“However, as a board member, I cannot stand idly by while the corporation faces turmoil. It is my duty to share the burden.”
Javier pressed his lips together so tightly that they turned pale. Still, he was left with no choice but to concur with Newton.
He had spent nearly two decades climbing to Chester’s former position, gaining Newton’s trust, and coming close to obtaining full management rights over Walsh Group.
Now, Newton’s sudden reappearance and his renewed involvement in the corporation felt like a betrayal. It was as though Newton was reneging on his promises. Javier’s face burned with frustration.
“Javier.”
Newton’s serious tone jolted him.
Javier straightened. “Yes, Dad?”
With a solemn look on his face, Newton said, “I’m aware of the negative public sentiment against the corporation due to recent events. The board is about to vote on whether Justin, as president, should be held accountable.”
Justin remained expressionless, but his eyes dimmed.
Javier cleared his throat. “That’s correct…”
“Set that aside for now. I have an important announcement.”
Silence filled the room as everyone waited.
“Walsh Group will soon welcome a new board member.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the room.
Jeremy and Justin sat up straight, eyes locked on Newton’s calm expression.
Javier’s eyes widened. “A new board member? Who is it?”
“That would be me.”
At the sound of the confident, melodious voice, Jeremy froze. A strange sensation coursed through him as though electricity had just surged through his veins. His fingers tingled against his pen.
Even Justin, always poised and unshaken, raised a brow. He swallowed involuntarily.
Under the watchful eyes of the board, Alyssa strode into the conference room, the click of her heels punctuating the silence. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, complementing the crisp white designer suit she wore. She stood next to Newton.
Though her delicate features had sharpened with time, her light makeup accentuated her glow. But it was her piercing gaze, sharp and unwavering, that commanded respect. Even the most seasoned businessman hesitated to underestimate her.
“Alyssa Taylor?”
Javier’s jaw dropped. Rage bubbled within him as he pointed at her. “Dad! You’re making her a board member of Walsh Group? Are you joking?”
“I’m not.”
Newton lifted his chin, his smile calm.
Alyssa nodded slightly and took his hand.
He continued, “I’m transferring 10% of my shares to Ms. Alyssa.”
Javier staggered, his mind reeling. “What did you just say?”
Newton ignored him. “Starting today, Ms. Alyssa will be one of Walsh Group’s major shareholders, and I am appointing her to the board. If anyone objects, speak now. Do not make a scene when the time comes to vote.
“I’m a petty man, and I will hold a grudge against whoever does so.”
Newton’s words silenced the room. To oppose him would be sheer folly.
Jeremy’s gaze lingered on Alyssa’s dimples as she stood with unshakable composure. Then, he looked at Newton.
A sense of gratitude stirred within him, even as he grasped the full context.
Newton owned 27% of Walsh Group’s shares. By transferring 10% to Alyssa, Newton consolidated Jeremy’s power, reinforced his influence over board decisions, and simultaneously weakened Javier’s and Justin’s authority,
Many would consider granting an outsider ownership of Walsh Group’s shares a dangerous and reckless gamble. But Jeremy knew better. This was their strongest play.
If Alyssa couldn’t be trusted, then there was no one else they could depend on.
And if Jeremy understood that, Justin certainly did too.
Justin curled his lips into a smirk, scoffing in silence.
Newton had gone to great lengths to bring Alyssa into Walsh Group. This was his way of decentralizing power and keeping it in check, and he wanted to prevent Justin from having complete control.
Unlike others, Javier couldn’t hold himself back. He blew his top instantly, his face turning red like a tomato. “Dad, have you lost your mind? Don’t you know who she is? She is KS Group’s president our direct competitor!
“KS Group is also bidding for Project A5. No matter how much you favor her, you should at least recognize the limits. If you promote her, it’s a blatant conflict of interest-outright cronyism!”
Newton sneered. “I might understand your concern if I were promoting someone other than Alyssa.”
His gaze hardened. “Cronyism? A conflict of interest? I wonder who you’re really talking about.”
With those words, he cast a knowing, enigmatic glance at Justin’s blank expression.
Just then, a board member from Javier’s faction rose to offer his support. “Mr. Newton, I understand that you’ve publicly stated Ms. Alyssa is like a granddaughter to you. But in the end, she isn’t family.
“And even if she were, shouldn’t there be a clear boundary? This concerns Walsh Group, its shareholders, and the board members.
“KS Group, under Ms. Alyssa’s leadership, is our strongest competitor for Project A5. Forgive me for being blunt, but placing her on our board doesn’t seem like a wise decision.”
Murmurs of agreement filled the room.
Newton furrowed his brows, a grim expression settling over his face. “I understand your concerns,” he said.
Alyssa, however, merely smiled-a sweet yet unwavering expression. “To prove my sincerity, I’ve decided to withdraw KS Group from the bid for Project A5.”
Astonishment rippled through the room as every head turned toward the breathtakingly bold woman who had just spoken. She was willing to make such a sacrifice?
“Alyssa…” Jeremy clenched his fists, emotions crashing over him like waves.
He knew why she was here-why she was willing to give something that directly benefited her family. Still, the question lingered-was the risk she took proportionate to the help she offered?
Justin’s gaze darkened as he turned toward Javier.
Javier’s eyes flashed with a moment of sharp thought, calculating his next move, deciding if this was a fight he could win.
After a moment, he settled back into his chair, yielding.
Justin looked away, his eyes heavy with solemnity.
“Alright, if that’s settled, I’d like to ask the board directly-are there any further objections to Ms. Alyssa becoming a board member?” Newton’s tone was measured and controlled.
A heavy silence blanketed the entire conference room.
Alyssa narrowed her eyes slightly before speaking in a light, crisp tone. “Thank you all for your support. As a newcomer, I’m still learning the intricacies of Walsh Group’s diverse operations. I’m eager to work alongside you all.”
Alyssa was courteous. Her words were neither overbearing nor overly humble, and the board members seemed convinced.
With that settled, the meeting shifted back to the real issue at hand-Justin’s presidency.
Once again, the air in the room grew tense and heavy.
Justin lowered his gaze, tapping his fingers against the table.
He knew exactly why Newton had orchestrated Alyssa’s sudden involvement to shake things up when the votes were cast.
One extra vote could tip the scales in Newton’s favor, and this would be Newton’s chance to dismantle his position. With that realization, Justin’s eyes dimmed as he met Newton’s gaze. A bleakness settled in his eyes.
“Next,” Javier announced, “we will vote by a show of hands. Those who oppose Justin remaining as president, please raise your hands.”
Seconds passed, yet no one moved.
No one in the room raised their hands. Not Jeremy. Not Alyssa. Not even Newton.
—–THE END