Chasing the Unexpected
CHAPTER 144

Chapter 144

Nyla smiled bitterly. There was no way she could go back tonight.

“No need. The gathering is close to Valarie’s place. I’ll stay with her tonight,” she replied.

There was silence on the other end before Clark’s deep voice came through. “Are you still upset about last night?”

“No. I just haven’t had a good chat with Valarie in a long time, so I plan to stay over at her place tonight,” Nyla said, though she was lying.

After another long pause, Clark finally said, “Alright, but if anything comes up, give me a call.”

“Got it,” Nyla replied.

After hanging up, her phone flashed a low battery warning, indicating only 20% charge left. She frowned, realizing she hadn’t charged it since the previous night due to her busy schedule.

Sighing, she turned off her phone to conserve battery.

Clark sensed something was off after the call but couldn’t pinpoint what

it was.

Just as he was about to ponder the matter, Michael entered his office and reported, “Mr. Sumner, Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group refuse to meet, and several smaller companies that closely work with them are also terminating their contracts.”

Clark was furious, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “If they want to terminate, let them. They won’t get away without paying the penalty fees!”

Michael looked worried. Terminating contra ts was one thing, but now

+25 BONUS

the shareholders were discussing demoting Clark to vice CEO.

“Mr. Sumner, perhaps… you should ask your wife if she’s willing to apologize to Ms. Rainford?” he suggested.

An apology from Nyla might resolve all their problems.

Clark’s face darkened. “No, she won’t agree. And apologizing now will make it look like the Sumner Group is afraid of Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group. It will set a bad precedent.”

The issue wasn’t just about the apology anymore. Jacqueline had been at fault from the start. If things escalated further, it would be more embarrassing for the Rainfords.

“So, are we just going to sit and wait without doing anything?” Michael asked.

“You can leave for the day,” Clark replied.

Michael was too worried to leave. If Clark were demoted, it would affect him as well. He offered, “I’d rather stay here and wait with you.”

The atmosphere was tense in the boardroom.

Richard sat at the head of the table while the shareholders looked

increasingly disgruntled.

“Mr. Richard, this situation was caused by Mr. Clark. He should be held accountable. Are we supposed to bear the losses together?” one

shareholder said.

“Exactly. He offended two partners at a single event. If he can’t manage his own wife, how can he manage the Sumner Group?” another asked.

“He’s young and needs more experience. Once he’s more capable, he can return to the CEO position,” a third suggested.

+25 BONUS

Richard listened to the shareholders‘ complaints in silence, his face stern. As their voices gradually faded, he finally spoke.

“Gen Pharma and the Rainford Group were at fault first. If we demote him now, it will seem as though the Sumner Group is afraid of them. Under Clark’s management, your annual dividends have increased by hundreds of millions.

“Now, just because a few partners have terminated their contracts, you all want to remove him? What are your intentions?

“Or do you want to bring him down to replace him with your own people? “he questioned, eyeing the shareholders critically.

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