Chapter 169
"He's still as sharp as ever, hitting the nail on the head," someone commented. "Every time I'm around him, I get chills. I'm up next for the presentation. I wonder if it'll meet his approval." Working under him felt intense; his presence was overwhelming. If I were his subordinate, I wouldn't be able to relax for a moment.
Brook, catching wind of conversations about Jayden, turned to him with a forced smile. "Thinking about heading back to Owen Group, Jayden?" he teased.
Was Brook testing him? Jayden saw a hint of jealousy and reluctance behind the smile. It was obvious that Brook hadn't completely won over everyone.
Jayden shook his head. "Since my disability, my physical abilities have declined. I'm concerned about my health."
"I see," Brook said, glancing thoughtfully at Jayden's legs. He shifted the conversation to the next presenter, avoiding further discussion.
Jayden's presence sharpened everyone's focus on the data in the following presentations; they were wary of his potential criticisms. Brook appeared unfazed throughout the discussions. However, once the meeting concluded and he escorted Jayden out with a smile, he struggled to conceal his frustration in his office.
"A bunch of losers. Worthless," he muttered.
He sensed that his employees still respected and trusted Jayden, seeming more inclined to follow Jayden's lead than his own. This was troubling. Brook couldn't help but wonder what his grandfather would think. Could he truly be considered inferior to someone with a disability? If so, he might lose his chance to inherit the company.
Brook had invited Jayden to the meeting, hoping to expose Jayden's supposed weaknesses and solidify his own position as the future leader of Owen Group. His plan backfired; his employees remained unconvinced. The realization weighed heavily on him.
"Why didn't you just die in that car accident?" Brook's face contorted with hatred.
After leaving the Owen Group building, Jayden sat in his car. Clive, beside him, raised a glass of whisky. "Jayden, how does it feel to return to your old battleground?"
Jayden shifted, unbuttoned his shirt, and took the whisky. "It's no wonder Owen Group is faltering. Brook is not a capable leader. Definitely not. Your cousin may be ambitious, but he lacks the skills."
Clive sipped his whisky and chuckled. "Brook Owen must have felt the pressure this time, right?"
Jayden didn't respond directly. Swirling his drink, he said, "I've heard that my uncle's daughter is returning from overseas. If I'm not mistaken, she intends to challenge Brook for the position."
"Your uncle's daughter? Seth's daughter?" Clive rang the bell. "Looks like there's going to be quite a spectacle at Owen Group. If things go as expected, Bryce will be collateral damage in their power struggle." He paused. "Your younger brother is rather naive. If he remains with the company, they'll easily shift the blame onto him. Why not persuade him to leave?"
"I've tried, but he won't listen," Jayden replied.
Clive chuckled. "Well, if there's nothing you can do, then just sit back and watch the drama unfold at Owen Group. You'll reap the rewards soon enough."
Clive observed Jayden with a knowing smile. "Isn't that right, Mr. Jayden Owen, Chairman of Bayzee Group?"
Jayden glanced at him. "What are you getting at?"
"Your grandpa probably never expected the pawn he cast aside long ago to become the real player in this game. If he knew, would he regret his decision?"
"That's irrelevant. What matters is that I'll emerge as the victor." Jayden suddenly remembered he hadn't checked his phone in hours. Thinking of Elyse, he pulled out his phone.
Clive, thinking something was wrong, asked, "Why the frown? Did Bayzee Group's stock price take a hit?"
"Nah, Elyse just said she misses me," Jayden replied calmly.
"Please spare me the PDA," Clive nearly choked on his whisky. "Why would you frown when your wife says she misses you? You're supposed to smile!"
Jayden replied, "She must be in a bad mood."
After a brief silence, Clive asked, "So… do you love your wife that much?" ...