Big Novel

Mr. Chairman’s Devious Wife by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 92
Chapter 92
LH GROUP
“We are in unanimous decision to accept Lawrence Lockhart's resignation,” Mr.
Lee said, his expression unreadable.
Mr. Lee’s voice echoed in the opulent conference room, bouncing off the polished
mahogany table., Silence, thick and heavy, followed his pronouncement. Unlike
the usual murmur of agreement or polite disagreement, there was only the
nervous clenching of fists and the rustle of expensive clothing.
The recent smuggling scandal has shaken the very foundation of LH Group.
Stocks had plummeted, and whispers of panic danced on the tongues of every
employee. Here, at the board table, the air was thick with a different kind of
tension.
Lawrence Lockhart's resignation, a carefully worded document delivered that
very morning, lay splayed on the table like a discarded hand. It was a formality, a
public acknowledgment of the inevitable. Yet, the weight of that resignation
pressed down on each board member.
Mr. Anderson, a portly man with a perpetually worried expression, dabbed his
forehead with a monogrammed handkerchief. Miss Paine, known for her sharp
wit and sharper tongue, remained
uncharacteristically quiet, her gaze fixed on the intricate floral pattern of
the rug.
Across from them, Sofia Lockhart sat with a cold indifference that masked a
simmering satisfaction. The public might see Lawrence's departure as a noble
sacrifice, but Sofia knew better.
It seems that now, the shareholders who were ever wary of scandal had lost all
faith in their chosen successor.
At one point, Sofia wanted to laugh in their faces and tell them how foolish they
had been to be fooled by Lawrence himself. However, wasn't she just like them a
couple of months ago?
A ghost of a smile played on Sofia’s lips as her gaze met Mr. Lee’s.
“While Mr. Lockhart’s resignation has been accepted,” he began, his voice
measured, “we must address the issue of succession. The board previously
expressed its interest in Mr. Lockhart assuming the chairmanship after... well,
after recent events. However, the current
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Chapter 92
circumstances necessitate a reevaluation.”
The room remained silent, each member waiting for the other shoe to drop. Sofia
knew this was where the real battle would begin. The chairmanship of LH Group
was a coveted prize, and with Lawrence Lockhart out of the running and
Eulanda’s death, the wolves were circling.
“First and foremost, we need to project stability. A press release announcing Mr.
Lockhart’s resignation and the board's commitment to a smooth transition is
paramount. We'll need clear messaging that emphasizes our unwavering
dedication to ethical business practices.”
He paused, letting his words sink in. Miss Paine, finally looking up, spoke with a
hint of her usual sharpness, “And who will be appointed acting chairman in the
interim?”
This was a crucial question. The acting chairman would be the face of LH Group
during this critical time, and their actions could significantly impact investor
confidence. All eyes turned to Mr. Lee.
“The board will convene a special meeting within the next week to discuss the
selection process for a permanent chairman,” he explained. “In the meantime, I
propose that the role of acting chairman falls to a committee of three board
members. This will ensure a collaborative and transparent approach during this
sensitive period.”
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. A committee would help to
quell any accusations of favoritism and demonstrate the board's commitment to
good governance.
“Who will be on this committee?” Mr. Anderson piped up, his voice trembling
slightly. Everyone had been wanting to ask this question, yet no one had been
able to voice anything... until now.
Mr. Lee steepled his fingers, his gaze sweeping across the table. “I propose
myself, Miss Paine, and Ms. Lockhart.”
Sofia’s heart skipped a beat. Being on the committee meant significant influence
in choosing the next chairman. It was a power play, a subtle acknowledgment of
the shifting tides within the company.
She met Mr. Lee's gaze, a silent challenge passing between them. This was far
from over. The fight for control of LH Group had just begun, and Sofia, no longer
an outsider, was now a player at the table.
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Chapter 92
As the one with the largest shares in the company, many people would think that
she would immediately use this opportunity to become the chairman. However,
she knew this was not the right time for that. With her votes alone, Sofia was
confident that she could actually have the position if she wanted to, and perhaps,
these foxes around her were expecting her to grab this opportunity and become
the chairman of a conglomerate.
Sofia cleared her throat, the sound sharp and clear in the tense silence. All eyes
darted toward her, curiosity and a hint of wariness flickering in their gazes.
“While I appreciate the proposed committee, Mr. Lee,” she began, her voice calm
and measured, “I believe ensuring true stability requires complete transparency
in the selection process for the new chairman.”
A murmur rippled through the room again. Miss Paine leaned forward, a spark of
interest glinting in her eyes. Mr. Anderson, however, seemed to shrink back
slightly in his seat.
“What exactly do you have in mind, Ms. Lockhart?” Mr. Lee inquired, his voice
betraying a hint of curiosity.
Sofia straightened in her chair, her gaze sweeping across the faces of her fellow
board members. “First,” she stated, “we need to establish a clear set of criteria
for potential candidates. This should include proven leadership experience, a
deep understanding of our industry, and an unwavering commitment to ethical
practices.”
She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. “Second, the selection
process itself should be open and impartial. We should consi engaging a
reputable search firm to identify qualified candidates. This will demonstrate our
commitment to finding the best person for the job, not just someone within our
immediate circle.”
Atense silence followed. Sofia knew this wouldn't be an easy sell. The old guard,
accustomed to backroom deals and power plays, might resist the idea of a
transparent search. But she also knew that the recent scandal had shaken
investor confidence, and a commitment to openness was crucial to rebuilding
trust.
“Finally,” Sofia pressed on, her voice firm, “we need to ensure shareholder
involvement in the final decision. Perhaps a shortlist of qualified candidates could
be presented for a shareholder vote. This would show that we value the voice of
everyone invested in the future of LH Group.”
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Chapter 92
Mr. Lee stroked his chin thoughtfully. An interesting proposal, Ms. Lockhart. It
would certainly be a departure from our usual practices, but perhaps a necessary
one in these circumstances.”
Miss Paine chimed in. “I second that. Transparency breeds trust, and trust is
what we desperately need right now,
The room remained abuzz with murmurs. While some, like Mr. Anderson,
seemed hesitant, others, sensing the changing tide, appeared intrigued by
Sofia’s suggestions.
“Although...” Miss Paine smiled. “I am quite curious why Miss Lockhart is
advocating for transparency when you have the right to become the chairman
yourself. Are you not going to grab this opportunity?”
Finally... Sofia smiled inwardly. The moment that she has been waiting for has
come.
“As much as I wanted to continue my grandmother's legacy, there are other
things that I must focus on, Miss Paine,” Sofia said.
“Things
that you must focus on?” Mr. Lee asked.
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3 i, SO 3
Sofia held Miss Paine’s gaze, a hint of
: 5 « 5
steel in her voice. “Look, taking over
as chairman right now might seem
> 5 3 0
like the obvious move, but it wouldn't
be practical. This company is facing
a critical moment, and we need a
leader with a proven track record,
someone who can navigate us
5 Hive tr) 5
through this crisis.” The content is on
bignovels.com! Read the latest
chapter there!
Visit bignovels.com to read full content.
She swept the room with her eyes,
each board member a face etched
. «
with worry. “I may be the largest
shareholder, but I lack the experience
this role demands. Leading a
company of this size takes more
than just good intentions. It requires
a steady hand, someone who can
inspire confidence and make tough
decisions that impact thousands of
» .
employees.” The content is on
bignovels.com! Read the latest
chapter there!
A flicker of respect crossed Mr. Anderson's face, a subtle shift from his previous
nervousness. Sofia pressed on.
“Besides,” she continued, a wry smile playing on her lips, “there’s a lot to be
learned from a truly transparent selection process. It allows us to evaluate
candidates objectively and choose the best person for the job, not just someone
who fits a certain mold.”
Her gaze met Mr. Lee’s once more. “Let's face it, a fair and open search
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Chapter 92
will not only rebuild trust with investors but also send a strong message to our
employees. It shows we're serious about putting the company back on the right
track, and that we value good governance over personal gain.”
A thoughtful silence descended upon the room. Sofia knew her argument
resonated. While some might still harbor ambitions for the
chairmanship, they couldn't deny the logic in her words. The company needed
stability, not another gamble.
“So,” Sofia concluded, her voice firm, “let's focus on finding the right leader. I'm
confident that with a transparent process, we can identify someone who will not
only restore LH Group's reputation but also lead us into a brighter future.”
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Hearing this, Miss Paine pursed her
lips. A part of her refused to believe
that this woman was not scheming
something. However, the other part
of her was convinced that Sofia
Lockhart was just a weak entity, a
coward. She looked at Sofia,
surprisingly, the latter was already
looking at her with a beautiful smile
on her face. The content is on
bignovels.com! Read the latest
chapter there!

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