Chapter 294: Hannah's Courage
At the meeting, Hannah saw her father's pride in her approval, yet felt inexplicably sad. In her past life, she had been by her father's side, sharing his burdens and becoming his source of pride. Instead, she'd squandered everything on a faithless man, ultimately ruining their family. Had she not relived this life, she would have faced her parents in the afterlife with profound regret.
She suppressed her tears, determined to avoid sentimentality. For now, she was alive, and her focus was on thriving.
"I don't agree!" A voice of dissent rang out in the boardroom.
Hannah turned to see not Wayne, but another senior leader.
"She is capable, I admit. But it's inappropriate for Hannah to assume Roger's position." The speaker paused, gathering his courage. "Mr. Chairman, I speak out of turn, I hope you'll forgive me."
"William, please speak freely," Miguel replied, respecting the director, one of the few remaining older-generation shareholders.
"Your father left the Group to you, but he also specified Roger's position. You are the owner, but not the sole owner. Simply put, Roger's position, rightfully, should pass to his son, Wayne. Hannah can assume other positions, but this one belongs to Wayne."
Wayne felt a surge of exhilaration. With a shareholder on Roger's side, he was relieved Hannah would be blocked from this powerful position. The prospect of becoming senior vice chairman of Cooper Group thrilled him. Hearing Miguel's acknowledgment, he added, "William is right. Thank you for reminding me."
"It's my duty," William replied. "I fear I've spoken too plainly."
"Not at all," Miguel quickly reassured him. "I agree entirely with William."
William nodded, relieved.
"However," Miguel stated bluntly, "given Wayne's current performance, I'm afraid he's not ready for the position."
Wayne's joy vanished instantly.
"When Hannah first joined, she, Wayne, and Mary made performance promises before the senior leaders. Lily," Miguel addressed his secretary, "next slide, please."
The secretary advanced the presentation.
Miguel pointed to the screen. "This shows Wayne's performance over the past three months. The goal was securing the international playground project and doubling interface board revenue. The playground project remains stalled in municipal planning. Signed orders are one-fifth lower than last year."
Wayne felt mortified. He had achieved nothing. He watched Hannah excel, while he remained stagnant. Three months had flown by.
"William, I made it clear to everyone, and to Roger, that if Wayne and Mary failed to meet their targets, they would revert to ordinary employee status. Promoting Wayne now would be inappropriate."
William, Miguel knew, sought only fairness. This was why Miguel respected him.
"I won't argue further. But placing Hannah in that position would be a joke," William concluded, concerned for the company's reputation.
"I don't need the senior vice chairman position. I'm young and need more experience. Such a high position would overwhelm me," Hannah declared, standing.
"William is right. Accepting the position would create a scandal, suggesting favoritism towards my family. I, and the senior leaders, would find that unacceptable. My father wouldn't deserve such misinterpretations, so I won't accept the senior vice chairman position," Hannah stated firmly.
Miguel observed his daughter, appreciating her courage and lack of avarice. Yet, this position was highly coveted, and she might regret this decision. He knew this position was now essentially reserved for his brother's family, a prospect that saddened him.
"However," Hannah continued, "Mr. Chairman also stated that my uncle's imprisonment leaves the position's duties managed by the CEO. Hiring two CEOs is unprecedented. Wayne isn't qualified. Therefore, I propose I assume the responsibilities, without the title."
A murmur rippled through the room. Her proposal to work without the title and additional compensation stunned them.
"If the board finds a more suitable candidate—if Wayne improves—I will relinquish my responsibilities."
Her words silenced the room. To object would appear petty. Her courage impressed them all.
In the quiet, Miguel agreed. "Since this is Hannah's decision, and there are no objections, we will proceed as she suggested. In her current role, she will assume all senior vice chairman duties."