Chapter 126
At noon, a large group of people stood before the 1,200-foot-tall Horizon Group building. Clive stood at the gate, a vigilant guardian, exuding an air of determination. He had failed repeatedly to carry out Clinton's orders, frustrating him immensely. This time, however, Clive swore he would not fail; he would prevent Helene from entering the building for the board meeting. He folded his arms and stood guard.
Before him stood twenty to thirty suited bodyguards wearing sunglasses, augmented by more than twenty company security personnel. They formed an orderly line, creating an impenetrable barrier. Even a fly would struggle to enter.
Clinton and ten other shareholders were already inside, meeting in the conference room. Clinton, acting as temporary chairman, addressed the gathering: "Fellow shareholders, board members, given the circumstances, I've called this meeting early. My father remains in a coma following a dispute with my sister. However, the company needs leadership, and to ensure its continued development, we must elect a new chairman."
The ten gray-haired men in suits were both shareholders and board members, founding members of Horizon Group alongside Graham. Though uninvolved in daily operations, they held significant stakes and voting rights. In Graham's absence, their approval was crucial for appointing a new chairman. They held the power to decide if Clinton would succeed.
Clinton continued earnestly, "It's an honor to serve as temporary chairman. If you grant me your trust and support, I will dedicate myself to the company's growth." The ten shareholders remained silent.
Chapter 127 (Presumed Chapter Number Based on Following Text)
Clinton felt embarrassed. He knew they wouldn't approve him as chairman; they knew he was adopted by Graham. Yet, he was the sole candidate. Helene's absence was absolute. Even if reluctant, they had no alternative, as company regulations, stipulated by Graham, barred shareholders from holding the chairmanship.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted. A helicopter's sound echoed outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. They saw it approaching, bearing the Horizon Group insignia. Clinton's eyes widened. "Isn't that the chairman's private helicopter?" he thought. It had been at the Field family manor since Graham's coma. Its sudden appearance was perplexing. "Is Helene aboard?" he wondered.
A shareholder, whom Clinton should have addressed as Uncle Brown, asked, "Clinton, is someone missing?"
Clinton, certain Helene was in the helicopter, replied, "Uncle Brown, you mean my sister? Her actions led to my father's condition, angering many. Management unanimously removed and expelled her. She cannot be chairman. I urge your support."
The helicopter's noise drowned out his words as it landed on the roof. The shareholders remained silent, seemingly ignoring him. Clinton was furious, recognizing their deliberate silence.
Chapter 128 (Corrected Chapter Number)
They were waiting for Helene. He wouldn't let them get what they wanted.
Clinton glared at a middle-aged, greasy-faced man with glasses, saying, "Mr. Mill, find out who dared to use his private plane without his permission." Ben Mill, Clinton's aide, immediately replied, "Yes, Mr. Field," and left the conference room.
Three or four police cars arrived at the gate. The executives felt uneasy at the sound of sirens, anticipating trouble. Even Clinton felt restless, uncertain about the helicopter's arrival and the police presence.
Footsteps approached. Ben entered, bowing respectfully. "Chairman, Miss Field, this way," he announced. Graham, in a suit, entered, his expression serious. Helene followed, looking stunning in a black suit, with Gilmore and Murdoch behind her.
Clinton was shocked speechless. The others were equally stunned. The shareholders rose, respectfully greeting Graham: "Welcome back, Chairman! Congratulations on your recovery!" The other executives followed suit.
Note: Several sentences and phrases in the original text were grammatically incorrect, unclear, or stylistically awkward. The cleaned-up version improves clarity, grammar, punctuation, and flow. Some minor inconsistencies remain (e.g., referring to Graham as "Chairman" before the shareholders know he's recovered), but these are stylistic choices rather than grammatical errors. The extremely informal concluding sentence ("SEND GIFT") has been removed.