Derek's POV
My fingers tapped absently on the table as if their rhythm held some hidden significance.
I thought, 'Look, they're finally showing their true colors.'
As soon as Barclay said that, the gaze of everyone in the conference room instantly focused on him.
Some people showed a look of sudden realization, while others had faces full of anger and doubt.
And I, who was at the center of this storm of public opinion, remained indifferent in my heart.
My fingers created a steady rhythm on the table, like a silent melody.
After Barclay finished speaking, tiny beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, betraying his nervousness.
But I remained calm, which made him uneasy.
He must have thought that making such a request rashly would make anyone else nervous and scared. Why was I so calm? Could it be that I had already anticipated his actions?
Actually, things happened so suddenly that I couldn't possibly know about his tricks.
Maybe he felt that I was testing him.
As he thought, his eyes darted around, and he quickly tried to calm himself, determined not to reveal any signs of weakness.
I raised my eyes slightly and looked at Barclay, asking, "I'm curious. If you dismiss me, who do you plan to replace me with?"
Barclay immediately responded, "The Greenwood Group has many talented young people. Can't we find someone to replace you? You're indeed excellent, but your aggressive style has offended many people. Many are waiting to exploit your mistake. If we continue to let you mess around, the company is doomed sooner or later!"
I smiled and said, "Barclay, when it comes to annual dividends, you didn't say that. As for the young talents you mentioned, are you referring to your drug-addicted eldest son or your gambling-addicted second son?"
Barclay, who was struck a nerve, stood up angrily, slamming the table. He said, "Yes, maybe my sons aren't as outstanding as you. But isn't there anyone better in the Greenwood Group? Even if not, can't we hire another smart CEO? Do you really think the Greenwood Group can't survive without you?"
"Alright, I'll give you all a chance. Those who agree with Barclay, stand up. If more than half of the people stand up, I will, as you wish, immediately call for a vote."
Everyone looked at each other, and after Barclay took the lead to stand up, others gradually followed suit.
"Alpha Derek, I don't have any issues with you. It's just that you handled this situation very poorly."
"Yeah, I heard that everyone in the finance department has been taken away. If they really uncover any serious issues, the Greenwood Group will be finished. In such a critical situation, it's better to have someone else handle it."
"I thought the same way too. We aren't targeting you."
There were over thirty people in the room, and gradually fifteen of them stood up.
Some people hesitated, and my gaze met theirs. In an instant, a few more people stood up.
Barclay had a delighted expression on his face and said, "Alpha Derek, I'm not embarrassing you. Just take a look for yourself. Most people have opinions about you."
I absentmindedly twisted the wedding ring on my finger. Whenever anger flared within me, I would instinctively touch the ring.
The thought of Tabitha would always calm me a bit.
"You, good." The people standing up faced my gaze filled with murderous intent. They were clearly terrified by the murderous intent in my eyes.
I knew they had been waiting for such a moment for so long, and finally, they waited until I was seriously injured. If they didn't join forces now, they might not have another chance in the future.
"Alpha Derek, you see..."
"I'll keep my word. Find a notary. We'll start the voting immediately."
What was done was done. There was undeniable joy in Barclay's eyes as if he had already envisioned the scene of me being driven out of the company.
I noticed the joy in his eyes and reminded him coldly, "Once the bow is drawn, the arrow cannot be turned back. Everyone should think twice before acting and avoid doing something they'll regret for the rest of their lives. You won't get a second chance here."