Chapter 658: Manuel Delivers a Big Blow to His Opponents

Manuel nodded subtly. His silence did not indicate fear, but rather a need to address the situation strategically. He rose and walked toward the boardroom, where other executives were already gathering.

As Manuel entered, all eyes turned to him, including Susan's. She pondered the intense opposition to his appointment as chief executive. The timing was peculiar; she'd asked Henry to retract a newsflash yesterday, yet the story was even more prominent today. Henry, questioned this morning, denied involvement. While trusting Henry, she sought confirmation. Someone else, resentful of Manuel, must be behind it. Susan felt most executives should have welcomed Manuel, except perhaps her father, who might be intimidated by Manuel's abilities. Yet, her father stood by him. The others' opposition puzzled her, causing a slight irritation she suppressed.

The meeting commenced. Edward declared, "This emergency meeting addresses Manuel's appointment. He deserves this position, and dissent is unacceptable. Let's not repeat this discussion." His firm stance shocked Henry, who'd expected Edward's support but felt a pang of dismay.

Edward continued, "The media frenzy surrounding Manuel's appointment is undeniably an inside job, likely by someone seeking advancement. I'll overlook this, provided the culprit is identified. Otherwise, expect severe consequences!"

A heavy silence descended. The executives hadn't anticipated Edward's unwavering support. Fear hung in the air; the chairman's wrath was a force to be reckoned with. Several executives, originally aiming to pressure Manuel and Edward, exchanged anxious glances. Edward's staunch defense, his willingness to face public scrutiny rather than abandon Manuel, stunned them.

In the tense silence, Edward coldly commanded, "Behave yourselves! And never again!" He rose to leave.

"Mr. Phillips," Manuel called. Edward paused.

"Given the dissent, I must address the board." Manuel stood.

Edward's apprehension was palpable; he knew Manuel was capable of drastic action. Susan shared his worry, fearing Manuel might walk into a trap.

"You don't have to," Edward said firmly. "Remember what I told you," a clear reference to not being intimidated.

Manuel nodded. "I do. But I can't function without the board's support."

Edward attempted to intervene, sensing Manuel's direction, but Manuel continued. "I've made a promise, and I won't break it."

Edward's expression darkened. Susan watched, concerned. Was this worth jeopardizing his reputation?

Henry smirked, pleased with his success. Yesterday's retraction to Susan was a ruse; he'd secretly amplified the news to unsettle Manuel. He knew Manuel's conscientious nature and aversion to criticism, weaknesses he perceived as hindering professional growth. Henry saw Manuel as inflexible, unlike the typically shrewd businessman. While inwardly triumphant, he maintained a neutral façade.

An executive interjected, "Mr. Johnson, do you intend to resign?"

Manuel's steely gaze conveyed a subtle threat. "My words were literal. I hope there's no misunderstanding, Mr. Johnson."

Glancing at the executive, Manuel stated, "As promised, I will increase Phillips Bank's net income by forty percent."

"It's currently less than ten percent," the executive retorted.

Henry inwardly sneered. Manuel's goal was unattainable. His audacity was ludicrous!

Manuel countered, slowly enunciating, "If someone deposited ten billion for a ten-year term at the base interest rate, would that increase net income by over forty percent?"

"Where'd you secure such a deal?" the executive scoffed. "Ten billion for ten years!"

No entity in Northfield possessed that capital. Even pooling resources among the wealthy, a ten-year deposit was improbable. Was he serious? Liquidity was paramount for high-net-worth individuals. Such a long-term deposit was nonsensical.

"Here's the contract." Manuel produced a contract and placed it before the executives. Their incredulous examination led to collective shock as they read the name on the depositor line: Manuel Johnson.

Manuel possessed ten billion in cash? A barely twenty-three-year-old illegitimate son? The source of his wealth baffled them. Stunned silence filled the boardroom.