"CEO Keir, what do you mean?!" Nolan nearly sprang out of his chair.
Several directors stiffened as well. Those with the most to lose exchanged anxious glances.
If Klaus Zhi remained in power, they would inevitably fall into a disadvantageous position.
Over the years, it wasn't that they failed to recognize how formidable Klaus Zhi was. On the contrary, it was precisely because they couldn't control him that they had long wanted him replaced.
"I reviewed both sides," Shin Keir replied calmly, "and I found the current CEO to be more reliable and legitimate."
For a brief moment, Nolan faltered. Then, as if recalling something crucial, confidence crept back onto his face.
"Even if that's what CEO Keir believes," he said sharply, "it doesn't mean everyone shares the same opinion. Besides, the majority of shareholders have already agreed to remove Klaus Zhi from his position."
The meeting escalated almost immediately.
Shareholders were invited into a group video conference, their screens lighting up one by one.
But the moment they recognized Shin Keir, expressions mirrored those of the board earlier. Shock, excitement, barely concealed awe.
Klaus had no choice but to formally announce Shin Keir's entry into the board of directors.
When the voting concluded, however, the outcome Nolan had expected never arrived.
Several shareholders hesitated, some awkwardly explaining that they had been muddle-headed when making their earlier decisions and had never intended to betray Klaus Zhi. Others were far more direct, admitting they had been threatened into compliance.
Nolan's jaw tightened, molars grinding as his fury simmered beneath the surface.
Then, as if cornered, he played his final card. His most important piece of evidence.
"If legitimacy is the concern," Nolan said coldly, "then perhaps this should be addressed."
He projected a series of documents onto the screen.
"Over the years, Klaus Zhi has embezzled company funds," Nolan declared. "These are records of offshore accounts linked directly to him. Repeated transfers, conducted at irregular intervals, all carefully concealed."
The room fell into a dead silence. Every gaze shifted to Klaus Zhi.
Just as Nolan believed he had finally played his greatest ace, Klaus Zhi remained utterly unfazed.
Without haste, Klaus signaled for his assistant. A new set of documents appeared on the screen, neatly organized.
"The accounts in question," Klaus said evenly, "were established for my two children, Jj and Yeri."
A ripple of surprise passed through the room.
"At the time," he continued, "both were still minors. Due to international banking regulations, I used the names of my offshore relatives as custodians. However, the beneficiaries were always and exclusively my children."
He paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, "As for the funds, none of it originated from the company. It was my personal income."
Nolan reacted instantly. "I don't recognize any of these so-called relatives," he snapped. "This could easily be fabricated."
Klaus didn't even glance at him.
"The accounts passed all international compliance checks," Klaus replied coolly. "Including anti–money laundering regulations. If there had been any irregularity, they would have been frozen years ago."
Nolan stared at the screen, his mind racing. Years of meticulous plotting, unraveled in a matter of minutes.
If he retreated now, there would never be another opportunity. And even if one arose, Klaus would be far more guarded.
No. He would have succeeded if Shin Keir hadn't interfered.
With Shin Keir's presence alone, these old foxes had instantly shifted their stance. Some were desperate to curry favor. Others were simply too afraid to stand on the opposite side of absolute power.
Agitation overcame reason.
"CEO Keir," Nolan suddenly blurted, "my daughter is Venice. Klaus's daughter is that fragile girl, the one raised like a greenhouse flower… Yeri."
Everyone ???
Shin Keir raised an eyebrow. His expression remained indifferent, but his voice sharpened, carrying an unmistakable edge.
"And what benefit do I gain from learning your daughter's name?"
A chill crawled down Nolan's spine, his agitation overcame reason. Only then did he realize he had spoken without thinking.
"T-that's not what I meant," he stammered, waving his hands in panic. "I've just been under a lot of pressure. My daughter is pregnant, and- "
"If Mr. Zhi is this easily unnerved," Shin interrupted calmly, words unforgiving. "then that alone disqualifies you from coveting the CEO position. How would you bear the weight of an entire corporation?"
Nolan's face twisted, a mixture of humiliation, fury, and helplessness so severe it bordered on grotesque.
In the end, the meeting concluded with Nolan Zhi utterly defeated.
Those board directors and shareholders who had once pinned their hopes on him did not even spare him a consoling glance.
They were already overwhelmed, minds racing, quietly calculating how to distance themselves from him before Klaus turned his attention their way.
Survival always moved faster than loyalty.
Nolan slumped on the chair like a melted ice. Then he saw Shin Keir leave, and without thinking, he hurried after him.
"CEO Keir," he called out, forcing the words through clenched teeth. "Could I have a few minutes of your time?"
However, he was not the only one with that intention.
"Sixty seconds," Shin replied flatly, not slowing his pace.
Nolan faltered for a moment before realization struck. His face flushed with indignation.
Behind them, several figures hesitated, unwilling yet afraid to approach.
Seeing that Shin Keir had agreed to speak, they reluctantly stopped at a distance, waiting like opportunistic predators.
"Fifty seconds."
"CEO Keir," Nolan said stiffly, struggling to maintain composure, "it's not good to be overly domineering. At the very least, I'm considered your senior."
Shin stopped. He turned and looked at Nolan.
It was the same gaze that even Elder Madam Keir could not rein in. Cold, steady, unyielding.
Nolan instinctively took a step back.
"If you're the senior," Shin said calmly, "then you shouldn't go around in circles. Don't worry. I can handle it."
The implication landed cleanly, like he was the flailing novice.
Nolan's face reddened further, his breath turning erratic.
Swallowing his pride, he inhaled deeply and forced himself onward, grasping for moral leverage.
"My daughter, Venice- "
"Zero seconds."
Shin Keir turned away and walked off without hesitation.
Nolan stood there, mouth half open.
---
Meanwhile, Venice had just finished shopping. Luxury bags weighed down her arms, logos gleaming under the parking lot lights.
A Bentley was already waiting. She brightened instantly and climbed in with practiced ease.
"Honey~" she chirped, leaning in to kiss the man seated in the back. "You didn't have to leave the company so early."
The car eased onto the road.
"What did you buy this time?" Hadi asked, irritation leaking through his voice. "Weren't you shopping for baby items?"
"I did," Venice replied sweetly, then giggled. "But I saw some new collections and couldn't help myself. You don't mind spending a few extra dollars, do you?"
She wrapped her arms around his, resting her head against his shoulder. "They say a pregnant woman's emotions affect the baby. I'm doing this for our child."
Hadi snorted, already distracted by his phone, showing Calin mid-interview.
Venice's expression subtly shifted.
"Why do you always watch her?" she asked, a sharp edge slipping through. "I heard she's venomous, always bullying people, throwing her weight around because of her family background. If not for her current fiancée—ahh!"
Caught off guard, her head slammed violently against the window as she was shoved aside.
"Who gave you permission to badmouth her?" Hadi roared. "Shut your mouth before I throw you out of the car!"
Venice stared at him, disbelief eclipsing the pain.
"Calin is someone I've known since childhood," Hadi continued furiously. "What does a commoner like you know? I despise narrow-minded, jealous women like you!"
Something inside Venice cracked. She covered her face, sobs tearing out of her uncontrollably.
Only then did Hadi seem to realize how far he had gone. After all, she was pregnant and carrying his child.
"Alright, alright," he muttered, pulling her into his arms. "Don't cry. Don't take it to heart."
He patted her head, voice softening. "Calin is like a little sister to me. Anyone would get angry hearing their family insulted, right?"
Venice clutched his sleeve, trembling. Her tears soaked silently into his suit.
As Hadi continued coaxing her, the car turned into an elite residential compound, manicured hedges lining the private road like silent sentries.
It stopped in front of a sleek, modern villa bathed in cold white lights.
Just as Hadi was about to step out, his expression twisted. He stared ahead, recognition striking like a curse.
"Damn it," he spat. "How the hell did that poisonous bitch find this place?!"
Venice lifted her head, still sniffling. "What?"
"Don't come out," Hadi snapped. He turned sharply to the driver. "Take her back home."
Venice followed his line of sight.
From the car just ahead of theirs, a woman stepped out.
She was dressed entirely in black. A veiled hat shadowed her face, a long black dress flowing to her ankles, stockings and polished shoes immaculate, satin gloves fitted to her fingers.
She looked as though she had just walked out of a funeral, composed and solemn.
Hadi flung the door open and stormed toward her.
The moment he reached her, his restraint shattered.
"What are you doing here?!" he shouted. "You poisonous bitch! Always following me around, don't you have anything better to do?!"
The woman remained calm, her posture elegant, her voice soft when she spoke.
"Husband," she asked gently, "who's with you?"
"None of your business!" Hadi roared, pointing at her. "Just look at yourself, wearing black every day. Who the hell are you mourning this time?!"
Her gaze drifted past him, toward the backseat of the Bentley.
Venice's fingers curled into her skirt. A chill crawled up her spine.
When Hadi reached out to grab the woman's wrist, she moved faster than he expected.
Her hand snapped up.
Smack.
The sound rang sharp and clean through the quiet community.
Hadi staggered, his body swaying before he could regain balance. Before he even understood what had happened, pain exploded.
The woman drove her knee upward to his groin with ruthless precision.
"Ahhh- !"
Hadi doubled over, a strangled cry tearing out of him.
The woman gasped, hands flying to her chest, eyes wide with apparent concern.
"Husband," she exclaimed heartbreakingly, "are you alright?"