Chapter 127
Clinton's eyes widened in horror. He never thought Graham would attend the board meeting. He thought, "Shouldn't he be in the hospital, like a living dead man? Why does he look unharmed? The hospital's top experts said he might never wake up. What's happening? Who can explain this?" He gaped, panicked and surprised.
Graham, Helene, Gilmore, and Murdoch entered the room. Graham smiled and said to the ten shareholders, "Please, everyone, have a seat!"
The shareholders nodded. "Chairman, you're finally back!" they said. "We thought you'd abandoned the company and us. If you hadn't returned soon, the Horizon Group would have collapsed," one shareholder added.
He was mocking Clinton. Graham nodded. "You're right. If I hadn't returned, someone would have destroyed the company. But now that I'm back, no one can cause trouble!"
A senior executive quickly pulled out two chairs. "Chairman, Miss Field, please sit," he said respectfully. This executive had previously been bribed by Clinton, but seeing the chairman's return, he swiftly switched allegiances. The other executives followed suit, serving coffee and greeting Graham.
Clinton couldn't believe his eyes! His loyal executives had become turncoats. He felt a stabbing pain, as if sent to hell.
"Thank you for your hard work while I was away," Graham said to several attentive executives.
They replied obsequiously, with a hint of guilt, "Not at all, Chairman. It's our job."
"Back to your seats," Graham said lightly. They nodded and returned.
Chapter 197
Graham looked at Clinton and said, "Now, we can continue the meeting."
Clinton's face was deathly pale, his forehead covered in cold sweat. He felt incredibly tense, cold, and uncontrollably shivered. His father's return made continuing the meeting impossible. All the senior executives, including Ben, had defected to his father's side. This wasn't surprising; Graham owned 70% of the company's shares. Even a fool would side with the chairman, not a temporary chairman lacking absolute power.
Clinton knelt, crying, "Dad, I was wrong! Please forgive me. I shouldn't have hurt you. I was out of my mind that night. I'm sorry!"
He knelt because he saw the battle was lost and further resistance was futile. He didn't want to be expelled from the company and family. He cried out, hoping for a second chance.
His words filled the shareholders and executives with doubt. They suspected Clinton was behind Graham's coma and hospital stay.
"What did you do? Why are you sorry?" Graham asked coldly.
"Dad, I shouldn't have slandered my sister that night. I even wanted you to disown her," Clinton cried, ashamed.
The shareholders and executives were surprised.
"What else?" Graham said impassively.
Clinton hesitated. "And I hit your head on the desk, causing your coma. I deserve to die!" He slapped himself hard.
The room was silent except for the slapping. Shareholders and executives were shocked. They hadn't expected an attempted murder. He was a monster!
Graham remained unmoved. "You hurt your father and sister! You're unworthy to be the Field family's successor or lead the company. I've called the police. You'll go to prison to reflect on your actions."
"What?" Clinton cried, shocked. "Dad, you called the police? Dad, I'm your only son! Give me a chance!" He crawled forward, trying to grab Graham's legs.
Murdoch kicked him away. "Don't try to act pitiful or attack him again!"
Clinton was in pain. He wanted to explain, but his actions spoke louder than words. He felt cornered and alone.
Footsteps sounded outside. A dozen policemen entered.
"Mr. Field, you said someone tried to kill you. Where is he?" A middle-aged policeman, Deputy Superintendent Mike Brook, asked respectfully. Graham was a prominent figure, so the police took his call seriously.
Clinton paled at the sight of the police.
"Mr. Brook, my son, Clinton Field, tried to kill me," Graham said, pointing at Clinton.
Mike was surprised. "Murdoch, give Mr. Brook the video from my study."
"Yes, sir."
(The final line "SEND GIFT" appears to be unrelated and should be removed.)