Chapter 45
From his appearance, there was no hint of the malice one would expect from a villain. On the contrary, he exuded approachability. Especially at that moment, the unabashed warmth and laughter in his eyes were disarming.
I showed no awkwardness or fear, shaking his hand confidently. “Mr. Swanson, I’ve heard so much about you,” I said with a smile.
The shareholders, who didn't fully grasp the situation, observed the harmony between Zachary and me; their indecision eased. Their expressions revealed Zachary’s friendly demeanor was calculated. He likely reasoned that showcasing camaraderie would suggest no rift existed between him and Hayden.
Unfortunately, beneath Zachary's mild exterior lay ambition. A wolf in sheep's clothing perfectly described him.
Sean approached, smiling. “We’re all colleagues now; let’s dispense with formalities and take our seats.”
Everyone complied, setting aside their concerns. Despite holding Parker Group shares, my stake was small, placing me at the back. Sean sat in the middle; Zachary, as vice president and with Hayden absent, occupied the seat of honor.
This was my first Parker Group shareholders' meeting. The atmosphere was serious and tense.
“Since Mr. Parker is unavailable, I will preside,” Zachary announced, his words carefully chosen to deflect responsibility while appearing reasonable.
The shareholders were silent, some glancing at me, likely assuming I knew Hayden’s whereabouts. A few voiced their curiosity.
“What’s the meeting's topic? We received sudden notification,” one shareholder questioned.
“Yes, is there an urgent matter?” another added. “I heard nothing on my way here.”
A murmur rippled through the room.
“Everyone, please settle down; let’s hear Mr. Swanson,” Sean said, rapping the table for silence.
The room fell silent again. Zachary remained silent, scanning the shareholders, feigning difficulty before sighing. “I’ve worked diligently with you all at Parker Group for a year. Our collective efforts have yielded great accomplishments. A few days ago, Mr. Parker returned. Technically, he should lead this enterprise, but…”
My heart pounded. I tightened my grip on my phone, considering messaging Hayden to explain the situation. Regardless, Xander had always been kind to me. Our divorce was private; I still needed to discern right from wrong on major issues.
But Zachary continued, “Mr. Parker seems currently incapable, and he's causing trouble for the Parker Group.”
My eyelids fluttered. I remembered Sean’s comment about Zachary’s meticulous planning. What did he have on Hayden?
Almost instantly, Zachary's secretary distributed documents. The room filled with the rustle of turning pages. The first page showed the recent stock price drop; the following pages detailed Hayden's scandals since his return.
Photos depicted him deplaning with Joanna, then the three of us at the charity gala. The final photo, taken early that morning, showed him and Joanna on a yacht.
My heart ached. Hayden was with Joanna last night. A yacht cruise to view Elysiumville’s nighttime beauty… how romantic.
I used to think Hayden was unromantic, but perhaps he simply didn't show it to me.
However, I quickly noticed the many eyes on me – curious, scrutinizing, expectant. It must be mortifying to have your husband's late-night rendezvous with another woman publicized, wasn't it?
“Many media outlets are sensationalizing this,” Zachary said, regaining everyone’s attention. “Mr. Parker’s chaotic private life negatively impacts the Parker Group's stock price.”
Relief washed over me as Richard's message arrived: “[Mrs. Parker, I can’t reach Mr. Parker. The driver doesn’t know his whereabouts. Is everything alright?]”
Instead of replying, I sent him the photo of Hayden and Joanna on the yacht. Richard didn't respond immediately, likely shocked.
Sean handed me a voting slip. Confused, I saw the words: “Do you agree to remove the current CEO, Hayden?” Two options awaited a checkmark.
Sean whispered, “This is anonymous.” He continued distributing slips.
Zachary echoed, “This vote is anonymous. We only examine the results.”
“Mr. Parker hasn’t returned; shouldn’t we wait for his explanation?” a shareholder, seemingly pro-Hayden, asked.
Zachary’s face darkened. “Everything we do is for the Parker Group.”
Silence fell; only the rustling of voting slips remained. People began making their choices.
I stared blankly at the options, never imagining Hayden’s future could be decided by me. In less than three seconds, I made my decision.
Just as I put down my pen, the door burst open. The sound signaled a furious arrival.
Hayden’s somber voice filled the air. “It seems some have grown impatient during my absence.”
His tone, though almost flat, was imposing. A powerful aura filled the room; the shareholders held their breath.
I glanced at Hayden, calmly awaiting his response. He met my gaze; his eyes deepened. Was his anger directed at me?