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The conference hall on the top floor of Sunrise Pharmaceuticals was brightly lit. What was usually an empty space was now packed with shareholders, all major and minor, of Sunrise Pharmaceuticals.
At the entrance, a perfectly poised hostess stood, giving each formally dressed guest a respectful nod as they entered.
Waiters carrying Trays smiled flawlessly, pouring coffee for any stated shareholder without being fazed by the slightly chaotic atmosphere in the room.
One of the shareholders asked, “What do you guys think Caspian dragged us all here for in such a rush?”
“Yeah, seriously. Why hold a shareholders‘ meeting for no reason I’m busy, you know. If Caspian can’t handle being the general manager, he should step down. I don’t want to waste my time here,” another chimed in.
An impatient shareholder cut straight to the chase, throwing the question at a middle–aged man sitting second in line. “Mark, you’re the second–largest shareholder. Why don’t you tell us what’s going on? Why’d we all get dragged here so suddenly!”
The largest shareholder was far too mysterious. Even when the company was on the brink of life and death, they never showed up
in person. Everything was left to their assistant, and even then, the assistant was never the same person. This left everyone clueless as to who the major shareholder really was.
With the largest shareholder absent, the second–largest, Mark Byrne, naturally became the de facto leader. And besides, the current general manager, Caspian Blake, was one of Mark’s people, so if anyone had questions, it made sense to ask Mark
Mark looked just as confused. “This wasn’t my idea. I’m in the dark just like you.”
The impatient shareholder slammed his hand on the table in frustration and yelled, “What’s Caspian up to? I’ve been sitting here for 20 minutes already! Are we all supposed to wait on him
“Exactly,” someone else echoed.
Another huffed. “Public funds were stolen, and the medicines delivered to Whitaker Medical Center were defective. Scandals like this happened while Caspian was in charge, and we let it slide out of consideration for Mr. Byrne. But instead of cleaning things up, Caspian’s still strutting around with an attitude.
While badmouthing Caspian, this person didn’t miss the chance to butter up Mark a little. Judging by the slightly softened expression on Mark’s face, he appreciated it.
Clearing his throat, Mark was just about to say something when another disgruntled voice cut through the room, “Caspian is really crossing the line. He’s just a hired manager, a glorified employee. And he dares to make us wait for him? Maybe we’ve given him too much authority.”
Mark’s heart sank as he pondered, ‘Caspian is my guy. The more power he holds in the company, the more benefits I get. I can’t let them take this opportunity to undermine him!
With that thought in mind, he stood up, clapped his hands, and drew everyone’s attention to himself.
When the hall finally quieted down, Mark slowly began to speak. Everyone, please stay calm. Caspian has been the general manager for five or six years now, and we all know his capabilities. A shareholders‘ meeting is a serious matter, and he wouldn’t joke about something like this. He couldn’t afford to make such a joke anyway.”
Upon hearing that, the shareholders all nodded in agreement, Fooling the shareholders was a serious offense, unless Caspian no longer wanted his job.
Seeing the atmosphere settle, Mark smiled in satisfaction and checked his watch. “It’s only 9:40, and we’ve still got a bit of time before ten. Maybe Mr. Blake is planning to surprise us by showing up late on purpose. Let’s give him a chance to make
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Since the largest shareholder wasn’t present, Mark was in charge and with him saying that, the minor shareholders had no choice but to wait patiently.
Five minutes later, Caspian pushed the door open, sweating profusely. The moment he saw the room filled with neatly seated people, his face turned pale.
One shareholder exclaimed, “Caspian, you finally made it!”
Another added, “Oh wow. Right on time, huh?”
Someone else chimed in, “Let me tell you, if this surprise isn’t worth it, I’m not having it.”
The room buzzed with the shareholders‘ comments, the atmosphere instantly becoming lively. Confusion was written all over Caspian’s face as he walked up to Mark and respectfully asked, “Mr. Byrne, why didn’t you inform me about calling this shareholders‘ meeting? I didn’t prepare anything.”
At the same time, Caspian couldn’t help but worry to himself, thinking, ‘Could it be that Giles issue has been exposed? Is Mr. Byrne planning to fire me?
He scanned the room and didn’t see any unfamiliar faces, making him even more puzzled, wondering. If they’re going to fire me, there’s got to be a new general manager, right? Where’s the replacement?”
The shareholder sitting closest to Mark clearly heard what Caspian said and immediately raised his voice to ask, “What? Are you messing with us, Caspian? We’re all sitting here and you’re telling us you didn’t prepare anything? Do you not want this job anymore? If not, then get lost already! There are plenty of people waiting outside for your position.”
The moment those words were spoken, the hall fell dead silent, and everyone’s eyes turned to Caspian at once.
Mark suddenly sensed something was off and quickly tried to change the subject. “Mr. Blake, everyone’s here now. Hurry up and bring out the surprise, or we’re going to get mad.”
Caspian, standing there under the silent, questioning stares of the crowd, broke into a cold sweat that glistened under the lights. He stammered. 1–Mr. Byrne, I–I honestly don’t know either. I didn’t call this shareholders‘ meeting…”
He’d arrived at the office at nine that morning and had been busy dealing with the mess his nephew had left behind.
Around ten, the finance department head walked in to submit the quarterly report and, upon seeing Caspian in the office, asked curiously. “Mr. Blake, why are you still here? The shareholders are all waiting for you. Isn’t it a bit rude to keep them hanging like this!”
That was when Caspian found out about the shareholders‘ meeting. He hadn’t even had time to straighten his clothes before rushing up to the conference room..
After hearing his explanation, the crowd exchanged confused glances. “So…”
One of them asked, “If it wasn’t you, then who was it?” Unintentionally, all eyes turned to the only empty seat in the room, which belonged to the mysterious figure who held the largest share of the company.
Mark’s gaze also shifted to the empty seat on his left, a look of uncertainty flashing in his eyes. He wondered, “Wasn’t that person known for never getting involved? Why would he suddenly call for a shareholders‘ meeting? What’s he trying to do? No, no, I need to inform that guy as soon as possible.‘
At that moment, the minute hand on the clock hanging on the wall quietly ticked to twelve. It was exactly 10:00 AM, the time listed in the email for the start of the meeting. Just then, the large doors of the hall swung open again, and Giles and Harry walked in.
Upon seeing them, two voices of surprise rang out in unison. “What are you doing here?”
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The first was Mark, whermognized Harry and the second was dad know ther of the two men, but being seasoned veteran
A sense of dead crept up in Caspian’s chest as he pointed at Ci
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The first was Mark, who recognized Harry, and the second was Caspian, who had spotted Giles. The other shareholders didn’t know either of the two men, but being seasoned veterans the business world, they all chose to sit back and observe.
A sense of dread crept up in Caspian’s chest as he pointed at Giles and yelled at the security guards standing at the door, “What the hell are you guys doing? Didn’t I tell you not to let Giles in? Do you want to keep your jobs or not?”