New Life : A Second Chance

Chapter 578 - Smith Industries CEO

"We don't just run a company," Kyle hissed, "We are the blood of Country Tz. Everything we that we do, is not just for us but for the nation!"

Everyone's heart swelled in pride.

Philip glared at Kyle and without a word, he turned on his heels and left the room.

Kyle watched him go with cold eyes.

Once the doors were closed, he turned to the board members again.

"Now, for the final punishment," Kyle said, his cold aura getting stronger, "The ones who sold off their controlling shares in secret."

"Do I need to remind you of the consequence of that? Even though you were doing it in your misguided notion of protecting the company?"

"The rules are there for a reason! No matter what your reasons were, they were wrong!"

"You know the saying, right? 'The path to Hell is paved with good intentions'. You do not see and cannot see, the whole picture and thus, that is why we have these rules!"

The remaining board members hung their heads down in shame.

Kyle was only 18-years-old, yet his imposing manner was not one of a young kid but a powerful man. His words were cutting and hit them at their weakest spot.

They had been arrogant, and they had been complacent. They had been easily swayed.

Luckily for them, the Heir was far more brilliant and capable than them. If he had not managed to counter each and every move of Philip, the Smith Industries would have fallen sooner or later.

"However, I do acknowledge that your heart was in the right place. I cannot condone it, but I understand it," Kyle said with a sigh.

"Thus, I am stripping all of you as board members …" Kyle said, and then, the projector came to life again, "… and these will replace you."

They looked up and was surprised.

The names listed there was their children. Each board member that was 'exiled' was to be replaced by a member of their family.

"You … you mean, we can still keep the controlling shares?" one member tentatively asked.

"No, not you," Kyle said, "The ones replacing you. I have personally tested them and I am satisfied with their loyalty and level of intelligence. They won't be so easily swayed as you had been."

Kyle couldn't help the last jab. It was also required, for they needed to know that there was no way they could control their children with regards to board meeting decisions.? They were ousted, as they could not be trusted.

But they weren't exiled like the main culprits.

This was Kyle's way.

The carrot-and-stick approach, though it was stick first, then entice with carrots.

With Philip, Kyle had let him believe he had everything under control. The higher they are, the harder they fall. Thus, he was given hope, and then have the rug pulled from under him.

With the board members that had been cheated - but were still in the wrong - he made them feel despair first and then, give them hope.

That meant they were going to be more loyal and not make this mistake again.

Everyone agreed and it was at that point, the door opened again and the new board members entered.

"Now that we have everything in order, and the threat neutralised, I have one final motion to pass," Patrick declared suddenly.

"I propose to vote for Kyle into the CEO position now," Patrick said, "Those in favour, raise your hand."

Before Kyle could react, everyone raised their hands up.

Even Ali and Xing Han.

He glared at them, then back to his father.

"Dad ..." Kyle hissed, "This is not in the plans at all."

Patrick gave him a gentle, proud smile, "You are more than capable, my son. Just from today's actions alone shows it clearly."

He looked at the board members and saw the awe, admiration and agreement in their eyes, "I believe everyone agrees to this."

Kyle looked at the board members frantically.

Everyone nodded.

He pinched the space between his eyebrows, "Dad, I'm only 18 years old …"

"Don't start using the age game with me now," Patrick replied, "You can take over easily, and with your team - and friends - you will bring Smith Industries to greater heights."

"The foundation is there, and it's solid," Patrick continued, "And it's because you're young, that you have more time to build it up."

With a sigh, Patrick confessed, "I'm tired, Kyle. I also see how much I have missed in the family. I just want to stay with my wife, and wait for my grandchildren to spoil them."

"Dad!" Kyle said, flabbergasted.

Patrick ignored him, looked at the board members and said, "It's time for the new generation to take over. I thank you, and ask that you be the backbone for Kyle, so that all of use can soar high."

"Done," Patrick said with a grin, "Now I can rest."

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The board room was empty, save for the Elite Five.

It was the first time that they were gathered together since Kyle came back.

"Congratulations," said Ali to Kyle, "CEO of Smith Industries. Wow."

Kyle glared at him, "You. Don't think you're off the hook now."

"What do you mean?" Ali asked puzzledly.

"Somebody didn't invite us to someone's wedding," Kay said, swinging her legs on the chair, "Somebody is going to pay."

Ali cleared his throat, "I have a good reason for that …"

Suddenly, Ali found a rope fall into his line of vision and before he could do anything, he was securely tied to the chair he was sitting on. His mouth was taped closed.

"Thank you, Vince," Xing Han said.

The silent bodyguard nodded and left just as silently as he entered.

Kyle picked up the phone and dialed a number, putting it on speakerphone, "Sofiya, this is Kyle. We're going to kidnap your husband tonight."

"Okay," Sofiya answered, "Have fun, Kyle."

"Oh, we will."