Patrick returned to the Black Thorn Pack at night. His eyes were bloodshot, and his clothes were stained with early morning dew.
In Alpha's villa, he found Alex who was playing chess.
"Why did you do that?" Patrick's expression was calm. He looked at Alex indifferently.
Ellison had been fighting with Patrick in Waikiki Beach a few days ago. But now, he was playing chess with Alex leisurely.
"Since you want to give up everything for the sake of Gloria, do I still need to leave the Hammond Group to you? You are not my only grandson," Alex answered Patrick while focusing on the chessboard.
Patrick was not angry. He seemed to be measuring Alex's words.
"Up to you." After a moment, Patrick said nonchalantly, "I'll wait and see if you are capable enough to take away the Hammond Group and the Black Thorn Pack from me."
He had worked day and night all these years to avoid the loneliness in his heart. He focused on expanding the territory but forgot to reorganize it.
Patrick turned around and left. He never expected Alex to pose a threat to him.
As for what Ellison wanted, Patrick would never give it to him. In terms of the Hammond Group, the Black Thorn Pack, or even Gloria, Patrick would not compromise.
In front of the desk, Patrick kept tapping on the keyboard. The rapid tapping sound made people feel tense, just like the current situation.
Patrick swept over the screen with his sharp eyes.
Three years ago, he drove Alex out of the Hammond Group. During these three years, he was busy expanding, and someone got an opportunity to plant spies in the Hammond Group.
When he went to look for Gloria, Alex seized the opportunity to join hands with the spies and brought Patrick a crisis.
The members of the Carter family of the Silver Spring Pack also played a part.
Patrick stopped typing and suddenly revealed a terrifying smile.
Recently, people in Gabbs were anxious because of the shocking news.
Ellison was actually the son of the previous Alpha of the Black Thorn Pack!
Alex announced Ellison's identity at his birthday banquet.
At the banquet, Patrick was wrapped in a cold aura.
The next day, all major newspapers and media reported the news. Ellison's identity appeared in almost all the headlines.
That afternoon, someone leaked out a piece of news that Alex wanted to make Ellison the heir of the Hammond Group.
For a moment, those who supported Patrick or Ellison had their ideas, but few of them dared to make a public statement. Before they learned about the situation clearly, no one dared to make a move, lest they offend Patrick or Ellison.
On behalf of the Carter family, Alger, the Alpha of the Silver Spring Pack, accused Patrick and announced the various crimes Patrick had committed against his daughter, Gloria.
Gloria's tragic experience caused people's sympathy, and many people even claimed to seek justice for her.
At the new product launch of the Hammond Group, the latest confidential information was leaked. The Hammond Group was accused of plagiarizing the products of a startup company.
The reputation of Patrick and the Hammond Group was ruined and received countless bad comments.
The Hammond Group was not owned by Patrick alone. Its image was related to all the shareholders. The major shareholders requested that Patrick withdraw from the management.
Patrick was in a dilemma.
He had returned after ten days. Things were coming one after another, and he was a little overwhelmed.
Sean mind linked Patrick. "Shall we hold a shareholder meeting tomorrow?"
Patrick nodded. "Yes."
"Alpha Alex is so ruthless." Sean snorted. "This time, he wants you to compromise and stop thinking about Gloria."
"That's impossible." Patrick's face paled slightly, but he spoke resolutely.
Sean sneered. "Is it worth it?"
"I can't lose my rib," Patrick answered firmly. To him, Gloria was one of his ribs and the most precious gift from the Moon Goddess.
In the conference room of the Hammond Group, many shareholders had arrived early.
After they greeted each other, Alex frowned and asked Damon, who was standing behind him, "What time is it?"
"9:50 am," Damon replied.
Ten o'clock was the time for the shareholders' meeting to begin.
Alex snorted. "If he is late, it will be counted as forfeiting."
Everyone agreed.
Ellison didn't say a word. His hands on his knees clenched into fists, and Gloria's face kept emerging in his mind.
He wanted to take away everything Patrick owned. The Hammond Group, the Black Thorn Pack, and Gloria.
Alex snorted coldly. "Damon, please make the announcement. Patrick is late and gives up fighting for power."
Before Damon could say anything, the door of the conference room suddenly opened.
Patrick's cold voice rang out. "I'm not late, am I?"
Although he raised a question, he had no intention of asking for others' opinions.
Patrick wore a custom-made suit and walked to the front of the conference table.
The main seat was occupied by Alex.
Hank got a chair for Patrick and put it beside Alex.
Everyone present saw Patrick sitting side by side with Alex without hesitation.
Although Alex was sitting in the middle, Patrick took the limelight.
Ellison had a strange smile on his face. He thought, 'Gloria, the person you love doesn't even know he is about to die.'
Around the round table, people had strange looks on their faces.
Patrick's appearance did not change, but no matter how well he hid it, people noticed his pale face.
Alex finally spoke, "I will ask you one last time."
"Stop." Patrick said calmly, "I know what you want to ask. My answer remains the same."
Alex gritted his teeth and glared at Patrick.
He hit his walking stick hard on the ground and laughed out of anger. "Very well! I hope you will stay determined later."
Alex began to hold the meeting. "This time, we are holding a board meeting for the sake of Patrick."
Everyone heaved a sigh of relief. It was finally time to settle the score.
Alex beckoned behind. Damon walked up and handed the information to him.
"You have ruined the reputation of the Hammond Group and the Black Thorn Pack. You are not capable of dealing with the upcoming crisis. I can't hand over the family's efforts to an incompetent person like you! You should resign," Alex scolded angrily.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on Patrick.
Ellison would never be stupid to attract any attention right now.
He watched Alex and Patrick fight each other with an unspeakable pleasure in his eyes. He wanted them to fight more fiercely.
Seeing that no one made a comment, Patrick snapped his fingers. Hank also handed him a file bag.
Patrick swept over everyone's faces expressionlessly. Then, he said indifferently, "I don't want to waste time talking irrelevant nonsense. Since it concerns the exemption and appointment of the head of the Hammond Group..."
"I propose a vote."
Alex laughed out of anger once again.
Since he and Patrick had no objections, the others would not refute.
As expected, Patrick was at a disadvantage after a round of voting.
The smile on Ellison's face became more obvious, and his gaze on Patrick became more sarcastic.
"You asked for a vote. Now, you have the result." Alex said, "What else do you want to say now?"