Chapter 608

Logan sank low in his chair, shoulders caving inward as if to make himself invisible, not daring to breathe too loudiy,much less speak.

The shareholders froze in disbelief when yet another"Vincent" crossed the threshold of the boardroom. A ripple of confusion spread across the table as glances darted back and forth, hushed murmurs swelling like a restless tide.

Vincent paid no attention to Erica's eruption. His eyes traveled with frosted detachment over the gathering before finally settling on her, the corners of his mouth curling with cruel amusement. "Erica, your audacity grows sharper with every passing day, I see."

Though Erica's pulse hammered wildly, she forced her voice to sound unyielding. "W/ho the hell are you?don't know you! Everyone, don't be deceived by this strange man!"

Vincent's laugh cracked the air, low and cold, as his gaze shifted toward the rows of shareholders."She doesn't know me? Then what of you-do none among you recognize Vincent standing before you?"

Most remained stiff and silent, their fear binding their tongues, while a handful-bribed by Erica's promises -rose hesitantly to challenge Vincent.

"Sir, you insist you are Mr. Jones. What evidence can you present?"

"Exactly! The man presiding at the head seat is theone we acknowledge as CEO!"

Grasping at their hesitant support, Erica's voice rang sharp. "Security! Are you all deaf to my command?"

Vincent regarded her theatrics as though watching a performer in a cheap play and then said calmly, "No need for summoning. Your security team no longer takes orders from you-they answer to me."

With the flick of his hand, the air shifted. Nate appeared almost instantly, leading a contingent of heavily trained guards. They sealed every exit and stationed themselves with imposing silence behind each shareholder, their presence a wall of menace that suffocated the room.

Nate advanced without hesitation, seizing the quaking Logan and discarding him from his chair like a rag doll.

Vincent moved forward with unhurried poise, his stride claiming the room until he reached the head of the table and seated himself with deliberate authority. His gaze swept over the chamber like a sovereign surveying subjects. "I have heard that while I was away, some individuals attempted to steal my role,transfer my shares, and dismantle the lifeblood of the Jones Group for scraps on the market?"

His voice sharpened with each syllable. "Was the plan to bleed the Jones Group dry and leave only bones?"

The sight of the guards obeying Vincent broke the last of Erica's bravado, forcing her mask to shatter.Desperation twisted her features as she screamed, "So what if I did?.Vincent, you think barging back in means you've triumphed? You're too late! The transfer agreements are already executed. The Jones Group belongs to menow! Even though you've returned, you've come back destitute. What power do you hold?"

"Oh?" Vincent's brow lifted in a cool arc as his gaze shifted toward the entrance.

Just then, Derek entered briskly, his tone steady with respect. "Mr. Jones, urgent news. All share transfers have been intercepted. Objections with full evidence have been filed with the Securities Regulatory Commission and the Administration for Industry and Commerce. The fraudulent transactions have been frozen, and no shares were successfully transferred under Ms. Stanton's name."

"What?" Erica's shriek was edged with disbelief, her fury whipping toward Lógan. "Useless fool! You swore nothing could go wrong!"

Logan lowered his head, mute with terror.

Vincent no longer wasted words on her. Instead, his gaze fixed upon the shareholders who had clung most tightly to Erica's schemes. "Since you stand so firmly with Erica, you clearly have no place in the vision ahead for the Jones Group. I will purchase your shares at ten percent above the current market value. Now,leave this building immediately."

The bodyguards moved without ceremony, driving those shareholders from the chamber like unwelcome guests.

Vincent's eyes swept the remaining assembly. "Now, does anyone here oppose my seat at this table?"

：

Silence blanketed the room, with no soul daring to speak.

Erica, trembling with rage, spat her venom at the shareholders,"Cowards! Every one of you! Didn't you pledge your support to me? Why are you mute now?"

"You've disrupted enough." Vincent's frown was slight, but his tone was stripped of warmth. "Remove her."

"Understood." Nate reached to seize her arm.

But before he could, the doors swung open with force.

Hannah strode in, flanked by uniformed officers, her eyes locking onto Erica like a hunter to prey. "Erica,"she said slowly, every word deliberate,"I promised, I'd see you in jail."

The officers stepped forward, unfolding an official warrant. "Erica Stanton, you are under suspicion for multiple serious crimes: homicide, corporate fraud, unlawful development of covert facilities, and orchestrating identity deception. You are formally placed under arrest. Come with us immediately."