None of the shareholders present believed a word of it.
Ms. Mi couldn't help a cold laugh. Westin really had no shame, spouting such nonsense.
"Everyone, rest assured," Westin continued smoothly, "regardless of Miss Rovella's presence, the collaboration with the Aleens Group will proceed unchanged. I will oversee this project." Blue Whale Co., Ltd. naturally wouldn't abandon such a lucrative venture.
Just then, the conference room door swung open. Linda entered, carrying a laptop.
All eyes turned to her. Westin frowned, deeply annoyed by this woman. If not for her, he wouldn't be so cornered. What was she doing here now?
"Linda," Westin snapped, "this is a shareholders' meeting. You have no right to be here. Security! How did she get in? Don't you know we're discussing confidential company matters?" He wanted her forcibly removed. Linda was Janelle's person; he couldn't let her participate.
Kevin stepped protectively in front of Linda, blocking anyone trying to reach her.
"Miss Rovella had urgent business that took her to the border," Linda stated, utterly fearless now that she knew Janelle was alive. "However, she can attend this meeting via video conference. I trust no one objects?"
"Video conference? Who does she think she is?" Westin blustered. "This is a shareholders' meeting! Why isn't she here in person?"
"Why isn't she here, Mr. Rovella?" Linda shot back directly. "Shouldn't you know that best?"
"Mr. Rovella," Ms. Mi interjected calmly, "if Miss Rovella has commitments, video conference is acceptable." Other shareholders nodded in agreement.
"Exactly, everyone has things come up. Besides," another shareholder added pointedly, "the Aleens Group only recognizes Miss Rovella. This project must remain under her supervision." The Aleens Group! Countless companies vied for their partnership. Blue Whale couldn't afford to jeopardize this hard-won opportunity over the Rovella family's internal squabbles – squabbles every shareholder present knew about. Westin's character flaws were hardly a secret.
Seeing the consensus, Linda swiftly connected the laptop to the projector and adjusted it. Janelle's striking face appeared on the large screen.
"Shareholders, my apologies," Janelle began, her voice clear and firm despite the distance. "An urgent matter required me to fly to the border yesterday, preventing my physical attendance today. This will have to suffice."
Though not physically present, Janelle's presence was palpable, radiating strength and command through the screen.
"Ms. Mi," Janelle continued, "would you be willing to chair this meeting?"
"Of course," Ms. Mi replied smoothly. "Since Miss Rovella entrusts me, I'll preside over today's shareholders' meeting."
"As you all know," Ms. Mi stated, "there's only one agenda item: determining the future leadership of Blue Whale Co., Ltd. It was agreed upon in the previous meeting that control would go to the one who successfully completed the designated project first. I trust no one has forgotten?"
Westin seethed with rage. He'd been certain capturing Madalyn would force Janelle's compliance. This wasn't the outcome he'd anticipated.
"Shareholders," Amber cut in, unable to stay silent. Westin would clearly lose based solely on the projects. "Mr. Rovella has generated significant profits for everyone over the years. While this particular project wasn't successful, his capabilities are undeniable. Can we disregard five years of effort because of one setback?"
"Moreover," Amber pressed, "Miss Rovella clearly sought external help! Janelle leveraged Jiang Chao! That inherently creates an unfair advantage!"
Hearing this, Janelle laughed softly. The sound drew all eyes back to the projection.
"Fairness?" Janelle's voice was laced with icy amusement. "You speak of fairness now? How many people were on Mr. Rovella's project team? All of Blue Whale's elite resources! My team? Only eight people. And with that, I won. Isn't that a testament to capability?"
"And yes," she continued, her gaze sharp, "I brought Jiang Chao in this time. Next time, I'll bring someone even more formidable. Isn't networking also a form of capability?"
Her words resonated instantly. Shareholders nodded vigorously.
"Miss Rovella is right! Eight people securing such a major project in such a short time? That's undeniable ability."
"Networking is a crucial capability. Miss Rovella, so young, already commands respect from figures like Jiang Chao and can mobilize them? Following her, we'll prosper."
"I also support Miss Rovella. She embodies the future of Blue Whale." Her single project's profits eclipsed five years under Westin!
Westin stared in disbelief. A few words from Janelle, and they'd all turned against him? Sweat beaded on his back.
"Mr. Rovella," Ms. Mi offered, her tone dripping with thinly veiled contempt, "you may still campaign for votes." She relished the chance to witness this man, who rose through Madalyn only to betray and destroy her, face utter defeat.
"I..." Westin felt dizzy. Words failed him. Was he losing Blue Whale? How could he? No! He couldn't allow it! Desperation sparked an idea. He slumped forward, feigning fainting.
"Mr. Rovella! What's wrong?"
"This..."
"Could he be faking? Such poor sportsmanship!"
Amber sprang into action. "Mr. Rovella has been overworked! He collapsed from exhaustion! This meeting is adjourned; we'll reconvene later!" She ordered Westin taken to the hospital and swept out.
The remaining shareholders exchanged uneasy glances.
"Shareholders," Janelle's voice cut through the uncertainty via the screen, "is this truly the man you trust with your investments? Rest assured, I will be present at the next meeting in person."
"Furthermore, Mr. Aleen has expressed interest in another collaboration with Blue Whale. I intend to ensure we don't disappoint them on this next venture. Goodbye for now."
The screen went dark.
Ms. Mi couldn't help but applaud softly. That young woman, absent physically, had utterly commanded the room. That presence... was absolutely unmatched.