Chapter 630

Adrian's expression remained composed as he faced the stunned Hodge, his tone precise and merciless."Even if a shareholders' assembly is convened, Ms.Scott retains veto authority. Her judgment is final.There will he no anneal no neaotiation Neither the

The security team immediately stepped forward,seizing Hodge by the arms and dragging him from the room with brisk indifference.

The heavy doors shut behind them, sealing the air in a profound,echoing silence.

Hannah exhaled quietly and turned to her secretary."Display our contingency proposal," she instructed."The development initiative for self-operated distribution across the Southern Peninsula-put it on screen for everyone."

She had foreseen resistance from the Griffin Group and had crafted a parallel strategy well in advance.What she hadn't expected was to unveil it under such charged circumstances.

As the projection flickered to life, she surveyed the faces of those seated around the long table-executives frozen between awe and dread. Her voice carried a calm steeliness as she declared, "Luminara Group's destiny will never hinge on a tainted family's influence. We carve our own way forward."

Not a single person dared to meet her gaze. Heads lowered in unison, their silence spoke volumes.

Hannah's composure remained unshaken as she continued, her tone resuming its firm authority, "Now,does anyone have objections regarding my dealing with Rodney-or any aspect of my decision?"

The room remained void of response.

The meeting concluded under the oppressive hush of submission.

Back in her office, Hannah sank into her chair,rubbing her temples as the adrenaline ebbed away.Though she had stamped out dissent for now, the weight of the peding lawsuit and the continuing plunge in stock value pressed against her mind like an invisible vice.

Her phone rang suddenly-an unfamiliar number flashing across the screen.

When she answered, a composed male voice came through. "Ms. Scott, this is Lennon Brooks, chief legal advisor to Mr. Jones. I'm contacting you on his behalf regarding your lawsuit. Mr. Jones has instructed our firm to take over completely. Please be assured-Fred will not prevail. Also, Mr. Jones asked me to inform you that he is acquiring the dispersed shares and bonds of Griffin Group. Before long, the Griffin family will lose any leverage to trouble you."

For a long moment, Hannah remained still, the phone warm against her ear. Vincent had orchestrated all of this for her. Something stirred within her chest-a brief, delicate tremor of emotion she couldn't easily name.

Though the boardroom battle had ended in Hannah's favor, outward compliance was no guarantee of true loyalty.

Within hours, the company's lounges and private chat threads buzzed with murmurs of discontent.

"The stock keeps crashing, and Hannah is acting like it's nothing-just firing people to flex her authority?" "She dared to cross the Griffin Group, severed our biggest distribution link, and still believes she's justified?"

"Wait till the next shareholders' meeting.Chairwoman or not, she won't be untouchable for long. They'll find a way to oust her. Just watch."

The whispers inevitably reached Hannah's ears. Her only response was a faint, dismissive smile. A temporary decline in stock didn't frighten her-it was within her expectations. And, more importantly, it was reversible. Her preparations were already in motion.

Turning to her secretary, who had been standing patiently nearby, she asked coolly, "Did you reach out to the media outlets as instructed?"

The secretary handed over a tablet. "Yes, Ms. Scott.Every major publication has been contacted. Here are the draft articles derived from the evidence we provided. They focus on Rodney's long history of abusing his authority to harass women and portray your stand as both courageous and just. Each piece

emphasizes Luminara Group's ethical stance and refusal to align with corruption. Please review."

Hannah scrolled through several of the drafts,reading each headline and opening paragraph with sharp precision. The tone was correct-powerful,sympathetic, and direct. Satisfied, she returned the tablet and gave a crisp order. "Good. Inform them to release it immediately. I want this story to flood every major platform withinthe hour. Also, have our digital partners push the narrative-focus on Rodney's misconduct, minimize the corporate angle, and keep our official account's comment section tightly moderated."

"Understood, Ms. Scott." The secretary departed to carry out her command.

Hours later, as the campaign swept across social media, public sentiment flipped like a coin. The tide,once hostile and uncertain, now roared in Hannah's favor.