CHAPTER 145

Chapter 145

+25 BONUS

With Richard’s words, the entire meeting room fell into silence.

Everyone lowered their heads, too intimidated to speak. Each person had their private reasons for wanting to remove Clark from his position.

After a long pause, a shareholder finally broke the oppressive silence.” Mr. Richard, we were simply too anxious… The Sumner Group lost billions in just one morning…”

Richard scoffed. “Billions? Is that a significant amount? He can recoup that in less than a year. If anyone wants the CEO position, prove your worth!”

Disregarding their reactions, Richard stood up and left the room, heading directly to Clark’s office.

“Grandpa…” Clark began.

“Shut up! If this happens again, I won’t step in to save you!” Richard snapped.

Under Richard’s furious gaze, Clark lowered his head, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. “I understand.”

“By the way, Brandon will be returning to the country soon. When he arrives, arrange a position for him at the Sumner Group. Make sure it’s a challenging role, not something trivial where he won’t learn anything,” Richard instructed.

A flash of hostility crossed Clark’s eyes. It was clear Richard was preparing to groom Brandon Sumner and eventually choose between him and Clark as his successor.

“Alright, I’ll handle it,” Clark replied.

Richard left with a dismissive snort.

+25 BONUS

While the immediate crisis was averted, Clark felt the weight of his precatious situation. With Brandon joining the company, his position was at risk. He needed to ensure that he remained the sole heir to the Sumner Group.

Clark returned to the villa past midnight. He went to Nyla’s room and found it empty, just as he had expected.

Frowning, he hesitated before calling her, but her phone was off. His expression darkened, and he instructed Michael to find Valarie’s phone

number.

After receiving the number, he called immediately.

Valarie answered after a few rings, sounding irritated. “Who is it at this hour? This better be important!”

“It’s Clark. Is Nyla with you?” Clark asked directly.

Valarie, still half–asleep, replied curtly, “Do you even know what time it is? Of course she’s not here!”

Valarie realized something was amiss and was about to say more, but Clark hung up. Feeling uneasy, she tried calling back, but the line was busy.

Meanwhile, Clark was on the phone with Michael. “Find out where Nyla went after work. I need the results in half an hour!”

Sensing the urgency in Clark’s voice, Michael immediately began the investigation.

Nyla was shivering uncontrollably, curled up in corner of the old wing.

It was early fall, and the temperature difference between day and night.

29

+25 BONUS

Chapter 145

was significant. In her rush to the house, she had forgotten to bring a coat, leaving her in only a short–sleeve shirt and pants, freezing and pale.

Her phone had died after the battery drained to 20%, leaving her unaware of the time.

Without dinner, she felt cold, hungry, and miserable.

As time passed, she grew colder, her consciousness fading. Her head. spun…

Finally, she could hold on no longer and fainted.

Some time later, the doors of the old wing burst open with a loud bang.