A Life Debt Repaid novel (John and Cordy) novel Chapter 1396

Every board member raised their hands in approval once Sam was finished, and Ryan could not believe his eyes.

"Haven't each and everyone of you given your blood and sweat for the new energy car project?!" Ryan demanded loudly. "And you're giving it up just like that?! This means you're just writing off everything as a loss when you still have hope if you don't give up!"

Even before Sam could speak, however, Gilbert finally had enough. "Ryan, do you really understand what Saunderia is going through at the moment? Did you ask before you came?"

"Of course I did," Ryan said bluntly.

"I don't believe that to be the case," Gilbert told him.

He was always candid—he had been lenient toward Ryan earlier, perhaps because he regarded the boy through rose-tinted glasses.

Now, however, enough was enough.

"I don't mind admitting that I've regarded Sam with contempt," Gilbert continued. "He had been goofing off for years despite holding a position in Saunderia, but now, I see him in a different light because he's earnest about setting things right, and doing his best. Your presence here, however… I can't help but think that you're just messing around or indeed wasting our time."

"Mr. Wells." Ryan's face fell. "I would understand that if you don't agree with my proposal, but you're just insulting me!"

"I'm just stating facts, and if I were to be honest, I was even harsher with Sam when he announced himself as acting board chairman, but he's proven himself on his own merits."

"But I'm just trying to sustain my father's legacy. You have no right to humiliate me like this."

"He's not going to get it," Ryan repeated.

He had no rebuttals aside from repeating that, after all.

Gilbert frowned in turn, clearly annoyed with Ryan's stubborn contempt for Sam.

Quinn was upset too—she did not think so when she was younger, but she could clearly feel how utterly dismissive Ryan was toward Sam.

He was thoroughly convinced that Sam was hopeless, even though she used to think that Sam goofed off too much as well!