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Chapter 715
Chapter 715
Chapter 715
Chapter 715
It was 10 AM on the dot when Ms. Ashbourne’s Rolls–Royce, as steady as a temple, pulled up in front
of the K Group headquarters.
A handful of company bigwigs, bouquets in hand, lined up outside to greet her. Before she took over
the K Hotel, she was merely considered as Chairman Ashbourne’s “love child“. Having gone through
tons of setbacks, she’d carved her own path in Elmsworth, and acquired a name for herself in the
cutthroat world of business.
The lobby had been meticulously prepared for her arrival, with an opulent red carpet rolled out and a
welcome ceremony of the highest order awaiting her.
No one dared to underestimate Ms. Ashbourne.
Inside the car, Jason, seated shotgun, adjusted his tie and peered through the rearview mirror at
Evadne, who was resting with her eyes closed, “Ms. Ashbourne, we’ve arrived.”
Evadne’s pretty eyes fluttered open.
Jason’s eyes lit up with an earnest curiosity, “Ms. Ashbourne, your blush is quite fetching today -rosy
with just a hint of pink. Might I ask the brand? I’d like to get one for Nydia.”
Evadne’s cheeks flushed a deeper shade, her mind flashing back to two hours earlier when she lay
beneath Thaddeus, flushed and blossoming.
His hands had caressed her waist, lingering with a possessive tenderness.
Could she admit the blush was called “Guilty Conscience“? Cursing the man who still left her weak in
the knees, Evadne deftly changed the subject, glancing towards Jason’s impeccably tied necktie, “Nice
tie, Jason. Nydia’s gift?”
“Ms. Ashbourne, how did you know?” Jason’s perpetually youthful face turned a shade of pink.
“You don’t have the eye for it.”
Grinning sheepishly, Jason touched the tie lightly, his eyes brimming with contentment, “This pattern
was hand–stitched by Nydia herself. She even embroidered my initials on the back. It’s my most
treasured possession – truly one of a kind.”
Evadne nodded, her lips curling into a smile, “I can tell. It’s Nydia’s handiwork. With something so
precious, I’m surprised you dare
to wear it to work.”
“Returning to the office, I’m a bundle of nerves. Having something from Nydia with me calms my spirit,
and I believe it’ll bring me good fortune.”
“Indeed, one needs all the luck they can get in this game.”
Evadne’s eyes squinted slightly, a wry smile playing on her lips, “There’s a tough battle ahead, a
dragon to be slain.”
Jason’s gaze grew serious as he handed her a prepared dossier.
In the boardroom, all the company directors were present, including a disgruntled Bevis. The room was
abuzz like a farmer’s market, with incessant chatter.
“Although Chairman Ashbourne is indisposed, the reins should rightfully fall to you, his only brother.”
The group might have been Emeric’s subordinates, but loyalty varied, and with the chairman’s illness,
coupled with Cassius‘ resignation, a few directors had started to secretly lean towards Bevis.
Bevis shrugged helplessly, playing the reluctant sibling to perfection, “I may be his brother, but you’ve
seen my influence here. I don’t have any say in this Group. And besides, even if my brother steps
down, with Bennett around, it’s hardly my turn. Please, spare me the jest.”
“Which of the Ashbourne children has the makings of a leader? If they did, Chairman Ashbourne would
have groomed them by now They can hardly compare to you.”
“Casting aside that, they shouldn’t.”
The room was plunged into stunned silence when the doors swung open. Jason marched in with a
stern face, followed by the sharp click of Evadne’s high heels that seemed to tread upon the directors‘
very throats, sending a shiver down their spines. Tve been standing at the door for a while, overhearing
your lively discussion. I even feel it’d be rude to interrupt.” Evadne remarked with an amused smile as
she strode forward, “But we do have a meeting to conduct. You can resume your chat afterward
The directors were taken aback, each mentally reviewing if they had spoken out of turn
Suddenly, Evadne paused behind Bevis, making him tense up, not daring to look back.
Her presence was overwhelming. Yet, she said nothing, merely taking her place at the head of the
table with a composed smile.
“Everyone, my father has taken ill and left yesterday for treatment abroad.” Evadne’s demeanor was
commanding yet restrained, “As I’m sure everyone is aware, the formal appointment has been received
by all within the K Group. As of its issuance, I am the acting CEO. Besides, today, there are two things.
One is to elect a new vice–chairman for the board.”
Some directors exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful.
“Ms. Ashbourne.” A director allied with Bevis interjected, unable to contain himself, “You may be
Chairman Ashbourne’s daughter, but surely your experience doesn’t suffice to lead the K Group. Even
if you’ve achieved some success at the Elmsworth K Hotel, running a hotel is not the same as
managing a conglomerate. You need at least two more years of ground–level experience and our vote
to earn your place at the helm.”
“That’s right. Chairman Ashbourne’s made such a hasty decision!” Others quickly echoed the
sentiment.
Beviş saw more members start to hold against Evadne, his smugness deepening as a smirk played on
his lips.
Jason, barely containing his anger at Bevis‘ arrogance, was itching to knock some sense into him.
“Oh, so you’re saying my father’s decision was hasty. Then please, enlighten me with a method that
isn’t,” Evadne spun casually in her chair.
“We think as Chairman Ashbourne’s own brother, Bevis has served our company for nearly three
decades, and either for the commitment or the credentials, he’s qualified to run this company.”
This man was a conservative member, having good terms with Bevis. Surely he wouldn’t be willing to
bow down to what he deemed a “wet behind the ears” young lady, so he intended to seize the moment
to challenge, “A decision of this magnitude should be put to a vote. Even Chairman Ashbourne can’t
just dictate terms. This isn’t monarchy!”
“Ah!” Evadne tapped her temple with slender fingers, swiveling her chair to face the assembly directly,
“Thanks for reminding me; there’s an important matter regarding President Ashbourne I nearly forgot.
President Ashbourne, your little foray into junk bonds turned out to be a spectacular flop, didn’t it? And
let’s not forget about the cool five million of company funds you embezzled. We really ought to settle
that account today, shouldn’t we?”
The rest were like, “?!”
Embezzled five million of company funds? Didn’t that mean corruption?
“Even though five million means merely some numbers, since we’ve laid it out, there’s no such thing to
cover it up!”
Bevis‘ color drained from shock to fury as he leapt from his seat, “Evadne! What in the world are you
implying?!”
Evadne’s icy gaze was fixed on him, “What am I implying? And remember, in public, it’s ‘Ms.
Ashbourne‘ to you. We’re not at a family barbecue here.”
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. This heiress, she didn’t mince words, did she? No saving
face with her!
Bevis‘ face was turning the color of burgundy wine, “Does my brother know about this?!”
“No need to involve my father. As the acting CEO of the K Group, I’m perfectly capable of handling this
minor issue.”
Evadne leaned back on the chair, her half–sneer dancing at the corners of her lips, “Before, because of
you playing a pitiful card to my father, who considering you are his only brother, even covered your
mess with his personal savings, it led to cerebral infarction and the current instability of our company.
The hit our stock took, the medical bills and hospitalization expenses, totaling hundreds of millions, are
a direct result of your actions. But I’m not even going to quibble over that. What I am concerned with is
the five million you owe the company. Debts must be paid; it’s the rule, and also the moral bottom line!”
The directors were stunned, all eyes on Bevis as his face twitched with barely suppressed rage. Even
the one who had spoken on his behalf remained silent now, not daring to utter a word.
“The money’s been replaced, even if it was by my brother. That’s done!” Bevis cast a vindictive glare,
“That’s already been a history You’re dredging this up for personal vendetta!”
“Who said this was over?” Evadne’s gaze turned icy cold as she slapped the table, making everyone
jump, “In my book, right is right, wrong is wrong. There’s no room for ambiguity here.”
Bevis, pale as sheet, felt chilly inside
Next to Evadne, Jason watched with almost fanboy admiration, internally cheering for his boss’s gutsy
move.
“The K Group is a listed company, not your personal piggy bank for your relentless extravagance,
Bevis!” Evadne’s sharp eyes pierced through him, her unruffled elegant posture made people present
unwittingly submit themselves to her. “If I keep a blind eye on that, not to speak of unfairness it would
cause to other directors, you’d get a taste for easy money and next thing we know, you’re digging us
into a ten–million–dollar hole. At that time, it’d be too late to regret it. So, the money has to be pay back
by you!”
Bevis, noticing the situation not good for him, played the pauper, “Even if you want me to pay, I don’t
have that much money on hand. What do you want me to do? Sell my house? Leave your cousin and
me homeless?”
He attempted to use the stalling tactic: after the meeting adjourned, he’d call Emeric and tell him what
happened right away!
Unexpectedly, Evadne raised her voice blandly. “Jason, show him the file, please.”
“Will do, Ms. Ashbourne.”
Jason, with a cool demeanor, walked over and flung the document in front of Bevis, who flipped it open,
and his mouth fell open in disbelief.
“This is a summary of all the assets you own.” Evadne uttered at a steady pace, “You have two
restaurants in Elmsworth, ten chain beauty salons across Skyrim and Elmsworth, villas in Aetheria.
These are all your current properties. Sell a couple of those, and you’ll have your five million.”
“Evadne!” Bevis was livid, his vision blurring. Was she trying to ruin him?
“I’m giving you two weeks to sort this out. If you don’t, I’ll have the courts enforce it.” Evadne’s lips were
curved into a sneer, “And I’m sure they’d be interested in those little tax discrepancies at your
restaurants and salons.”
The directors murmured among themselves. What a juicy piece of drama!
Shoulders shivering, Bevis looked at the file unfolded, his head swirling. This time, Evadne gave his
hard time, for she had dug deep into his business and came prepared to fight, and fight dirty.
“Ms. Ashbourne, you just mentioned there were two things?” A director dared to speak.
“The second also concerns President Ashbourne.” Evadne’s assertive voice was pleasant to hear,
resonant through the air, “Today, I will lead the charge to remove Bevis from his positions on the board
and as a managing director of the K Group!”
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