Derek's POV
I sat in the main seat without saying a word.
Usually, just one look from me could make people tremble with fear, but today everyone was accusing me relentlessly as if they had been as bold as leopards.
"Derek, I have always recognized your abilities. When Alpha Elliott handed over the company to you, we all agreed wholeheartedly. You didn't disappoint us and managed the company very well. But this time, you made such a big mistake. In just one day, the group's hard-earned business empire and good reputation were destroyed, except for the stock price. As a leader, you have to give us an explanation."
My tone was stern, and my words were brief but powerful, "Wait."
"Wait? What are you still waiting for? Do you realize how many people are watching us now? How many are eager to see us fail and replace the Greenwood Group? Even someone like me, who isn't deeply involved in the business world, knows how crucial this time is for public relations. It's been a day and a night already. What has the Greenwood Group done? And what have you done?"
"You can wait, but we can't. Let me be clear. This situation was caused by your wife. Therefore, Greenwood Group needs to hold a press conference with your wife representing the company to apologize to the deceased and the public."
As soon as I heard these words, I shot a cold glance at the speaker and replied icily, "Apologize? The term is for someone who has done wrong to express regret and offer compensation. My wife has been unjustly attacked online. It's the first time I've heard of a victim being expected to apologize to the perpetrator."
"Setting aside the facts, is Tabitha truly blameless? The deceased argued with her before passing away, and then Rolf showed up at the scene. We believe Rolf is innocent, but will others?"
"Derek, sometimes people simply don't care about the truth and are only willing to believe in the facts they have determined. Let Tabitha come out and apologize."
"Well, apologizing won't do any harm to her."
Everyone spoke in turn until their mouths were dry and their tongues were parched.
I drank coffee to refresh myself and cleared my throat before raising my head, "Have you had enough?"
My voice was not loud, but it carried authority, like a cold wind sweeping through the room in an instant.
The crowd, which had been noisy just moments before, fell silent immediately.
The entire room fell silent immediately, and I surveyed everyone with the sternness of a principal delivering a speech.
"Instead of whether my wife should apologize or not, I think you should give me an explanation first."
"Alpha Derek, what do you mean by this? The matter is between you and Ms. Hartley. It has nothing to do with us."
I sneered, "nothing to do with you? If it weren't for this incident, I wouldn't have known that someone in the upper management of our company could be so unscrupulous, getting paid from me and then undermining me."
Everyone looked at each other. Someone lowered their eyes and dared not look at me.
I suddenly slammed the table, and two people immediately fell off their chairs.
"Ladies and gentlemen, have you misunderstood something? I called you here today not to listen to your nonsense or to explain anything to you. As long as I am here, you are not allowed to meddle or dictate in the Greenwood Group!"
After Luna Erin's death, Alpha Elliott somehow transferred all of his shares to me. Instead of taking full control, I gave these shares under the name of my trusted confidant.
Even if everyone present betrayed me, I would reclaim all my shares, and no one could shake the foundation of the Greenwood Group.
Obviously, some people didn't know that I had a trick up my sleeve with Alpha Elliott.
After I said that, Barclay Greenwood spoke up first, "Derek, you're mistaken. You're the CEO, and we don't concern ourselves with your usual management. Now, because of you, the company is in turmoil, and all shareholders have the right to call for a vote."
Barclay first glanced at my expression, swallowed, and then continued, "You've allowed the Greenwood Group to reach this state and refused to address it. You've ignored the solutions we proposed. As a shareholder and the Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack, you can't continue like this. Therefore, I propose to dismiss you from your position as CEO."