Chapter 444

With everyone's eyes fixed on the scene, Hannah advanced steadily to the front of the banquet hal and settled into the chair designated for the CEO without hesitation.

Michael burst out, "Natalie Preston! Have you lost it?What gives you the audacity to sit in that chair?"

Hannah tilted her head slightly. "Isn't this the CEO's chair?"

Calvin scoffed. "Obviously it is, which means it doesn't belong to you. Step down right now."

Hannah curled her lips. "Then that makes it mine."

Just then, Adrian-who had remained quiet-hurried forward and respectfully addressed Natalie, seated at the front, "Ms.Hale!"

The utterance sent ripples of shock across the entire

banquet space.

The staff burst into murmurs of shock and disbelief.Everyone appeared dumbfounded.

"Ms. Hale? What's that supposed to imply?"

"Is she actually Victoria Hale, the CEO? No way-how can that be?"

Michael's expression contorted wildly. He let out a harsh, derisive chuckle. "How on earth would she be the CEO? She's nothing more than a junior worker!She's clearly gone delusional from trying-and failing -to slander us!"

Calvin chimed in quickly, "Exactly! Her plan failed,and now she's snapped from the stress!"

Hannah paid no attention to their outbursts and calmly shifted her gaze toward Adrian. "Adrian,explain it to them."

Adrian immediately turned to face the restless audience and declared boldly, "Everyone, allow me to formally announce that the individual occupying the

CEO's seat is none other than the founder and the sole actual controller of Luminara Group-Victoria Hale! Her decision to return under the alias 'Natalie Preston' was to thoroughly expose the misconduct plaguing the executive level and eliminate those eroding the core of company!"

At this revelation, Michael and his allies lost all color in their faces.

The inner circle near them began whispering in anxiety, "She's really the CEO? Then we're finished!"

"She knows every last person on our side. This is the end!"

Michael spun around sharply, shooting them a glare,growling, "Be quiet! What's the use of panicking?How do we know Adrian isn't in league with her? This might alI be a charade to fool us! Pull yourselves together!"

Although dread churned in his gut, Mlichael forced a loud voice as he gazed at Natalie. "You're Ms. Hale?Then you must possess the CEO's exclusive seal.

Let's see it!"

Inside, he sneered-aware that the seal was an undisputed sign of Victoria's position, kept extremely confidential. He doubted Natalie could have it.

Hannah observed Michael's facade of bravado and desperation, her eyes glinting with frosty contempt.Even now, he refused to surrender.

Without engaging in further useless argument, she reached into her handbag and retrieved a small case.Opening it up, she revealed the seal. Holding it openly in one hand, she addressed the crowd in a cool and resonant tone, "Who said I don't have it?"

Her stare pierced through Michael. "To avoid any accusations of forgery, I suggest a few board .members who understand the group's legacy come verify it themselves. The make, material, signature,and crest of this seal cannot be replicated."

The room sank into a stunned quiet, before an eruption of louder chaos burst forth. "Whoa! That's actually Victoria's seal!"

"Unbelievable! Ms. Hale has been among us this entire time?"

"Michael and his faction are absolutely doomed!"

Michael's skin turned ashen, his limbs trembling beyond control.

Calvin was in complete disarray, seizing Michael's arm and stammering, "M-Michael, what now? A-Are we headed to jail?"

Michael shoved him off roughly, yelling, "It's not over yet! We haven't lost until the end!"

But Hannah didn't give them a chance to recover.Rising slowly to her feet, she commanded with unwavering authority, "Security! Remove these individuals for severe economic crimes and for compromising the company's integrity! Hand them over to the authorities immediately!"

Yet, despite the command, the anticipated swift response from the guards never came. The security team exchanged unsure glances, their footing hesitant, and no one stepped forward to carry out the order.