Chapter 54

The brightly lit conference hall on the top floor of Sunrise Pharmaceuticals, usually empty, was packed with shareholders. A poised hostess at the entrance offered a respectful nod to each formally dressed guest. Waiters, carrying trays, flawlessly poured coffee, unfazed by the room's slight chaos.

"What do you think Caspian dragged us here for, in such a rush?" one shareholder asked.

"Seriously," another added. "Why a shareholders' meeting for no reason? I'm busy. If Caspian can't handle being general manager, he should step down. I don't want to waste my time."

An impatient shareholder addressed a middle-aged man sitting near the front. "Mark, you're the second-largest shareholder. Why are we all here so suddenly?"

The largest shareholder remained a mystery. Even during crises, they never appeared in person, relying on ever-changing assistants. Their identity remained unknown.

With the largest shareholder absent, Mark Byrne, the second-largest, effectively led. Caspian Blake, the general manager, was one of Mark's people, making Mark the logical point of contact.

Mark looked equally confused. "This wasn't my idea. I'm as much in the dark as you are."

The impatient shareholder slammed his hand on the table. "What's Caspian up to? I've been sitting here for twenty minutes! Are we all supposed to wait for him?"

"Exactly," someone echoed.

Another shareholder added, "Public funds were stolen, and the medicines delivered to Whitaker Medical Center were defective. These scandals happened under Caspian, and we overlooked them out of consideration for Mr. Byrne. But instead of rectifying things, he's still strutting around with an attitude." This shareholder subtly flattered Mark, a gesture Mark seemed to appreciate.

Mark cleared his throat, about to speak, when another voice interjected, "Caspian is crossing the line. He's a hired manager, a glorified employee. And he dares to make us wait? Maybe we've given him too much authority."

Mark's heart sank. Caspian's power benefited him; he couldn't allow this opportunity to undermine him. He stood, clapped his hands, and commanded attention.

Once quiet, he began, "Everyone, please calm down. Caspian has been general manager for five or six years, and we know his capabilities. A shareholders' meeting is serious; he wouldn't joke about this. He couldn't afford to."

The shareholders nodded. Fooling them was a serious offense, unless Caspian no longer wanted his job.

Mark smiled, checking his watch. "It's only 9:40. Maybe Mr. Blake is planning a surprise. Let's give him a chance."

Mark's statement left the minor shareholders no choice but to wait.

Chapter 55

Five minutes later, Caspian entered, sweating profusely. Seeing the assembled shareholders, his face paled.

"Caspian, you finally made it!" one exclaimed.

"Oh wow. Right on time, huh?" another added.

"Let me tell you, if this surprise isn't worth it…" a third shareholder warned.

The room buzzed, the atmosphere lively. Caspian, however, looked confused. Approaching Mark, he asked, "Mr. Byrne, why weren't you informed about this meeting? I didn't prepare anything."

Caspian worried internally: Could Giles' issue have been exposed? Is Mr. Byrne planning to fire me? He saw no unfamiliar faces, further puzzling him. If they're going to fire me, there should be a replacement, right?

A shareholder near Mark overheard Caspian and shouted, "What? Are you messing with us, Caspian? We're all sitting here, and you didn't prepare anything? Do you not want this job anymore? If not, get lost! Plenty of people are waiting."

Silence fell. All eyes turned to Caspian.

Mark sensed something was amiss and changed the subject. "Mr. Blake, everyone's here. Hurry up and reveal the surprise, or we'll get mad."

Caspian, under the intense stares, broke into a cold sweat. He stammered, "Mr. Byrne, I… I honestly don't know. I didn't call this meeting…"

He'd been dealing with his nephew's mess that morning. Around ten, the finance head, seeing Caspian still in the office, asked, "Mr. Blake, why are you still here? The shareholders are waiting. Isn't it rude to keep them hanging?"

That's how Caspian learned about the meeting. He rushed to the conference room without even straightening his clothes.

The shareholders exchanged confused glances. "So…" one asked, "If it wasn't you, who was it?"

All eyes turned to the empty seat belonging to the mysterious majority shareholder. Mark, too, looked at the empty seat, uncertainty flashing in his eyes. Wasn't that person known for never getting involved? Why call a meeting? What's he trying to do? I need to inform him immediately.

The clock struck ten, the meeting's scheduled start time. The doors swung open again; Giles and Harry entered.

Two voices exclaimed in unison, "What are you doing here?"

Chapter 34

One was Mark, who recognized Harry; the other was Caspian, who spotted Giles. The other shareholders didn't know the men but, seasoned business veterans, chose to observe.

Dread filled Caspian. He pointed at Giles and yelled at the security guards, "What the hell are you doing? Didn't I tell you not to let Giles in? Do you want to keep your jobs or not?"