Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3138

Monday.

Inside the Hanson corporation boardroom, Gonzalez sat at the head of the massive table. High-level executives lined both sides, preparing for the morning briefing.

When the discussion shifted to a critical new initiative, Gonzalez turned his cool gaze to the head of marketing, Trevor Cromwell. "Mr. Cromwell, I need an accurate market research report on this within a week."

Trevor cast a fleeting, conspiratorial glance at Oliver Hanson before flashing a smug grin. "Boss, my plate is already full with the Apex Project and the PWE contracts. On top of that, I'm spearheading the rollout for the KoreTech 3.0 launch. You're better off handing this new research over to someone else."

He leaned back in his chair, adding smoothly, "Actually, we just hired two interns in my department. They're pretty sharp. I'm sure they could pull something together for you."

He had just blatantly refused a direct order from the new president in front of the entire board—and suggested passing the assignment to interns, no less. It was incredibly disrespectful, crossing the line into open provocation. The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense, executives exchanging uneasy looks.

Some were furious at the blatant nepotism, knowing full well that Trevor was a lackey for Oliver and the Franco faction. Others were thoroughly enjoying watching the new, supposedly ruthless heir get publicly humiliated. The rest simply sat back to enjoy the show, waiting to see who would win this power struggle before choosing a side.

Spencer Manning narrowed his eyes at Trevor and spoke up, his voice heavy with authority. "The PWE project is already in its final phase and requires zero oversight from your end. The promotional plan for the KoreTech launch was finalized and approved last week. From where I'm sitting, Trevor, you seem to have a lot of free time on your hands."

Trevor offered a stiff, condescending laugh. "Mr. Manning, we aren't even in the same department. I hardly need to justify my daily workload to you, now do I?"

Spencer's face darkened, but he held his tongue.

Gonzalez's expression remained dangerously neutral. "I'll take it under consideration. We'll revisit this before the end of the day."

Trevor shot Oliver a triumphant look. The other executives shared mixed reactions—appalled by Trevor's brazen insubordination, but simultaneously writing the new president off as a complete pushover.

Gonzalez looked down at the file in front of him, turning his attention to the head of planning, Luke Shaw. "Mr. Shaw, I want the investment proposal for the H City project on my desk by today."

Catching a subtle nod from Oliver, Luke immediately knew the play. He plastered on a fake look of deference, though his tone was dripping with the same patronizing dismissal.

After the meeting adjourned, Gonzalez returned to his private office. Spencer marched in right behind him, absolutely livid.

"Luke and Trevor are both Oliver's puppets! They've been running amok here for five years, building their own factions and sabotaging the company from the inside like a pair of parasites! When your father was managing things, they at least had the decency to hide their insolence. But now? They're completely out of control!"

Gonzalez sat behind the expansive mahogany desk, casually flipping through the file in front of him. "I've already reviewed all the documents you gave me, Spencer. Forward me the files for the rest of the projects and product lines. I need to get up to speed immediately."

Spencer blinked in surprise, momentarily derailed from his rant. "Boss, you don't need to push yourself so hard. You can take this one step at a time."

Transitioning from zero corporate experience to running a massive conglomerate was a monumental task. The learning curve was steep enough without the Franco faction actively trying to sink him at every turn.

Gonzalez looked up, his gaze lethally sharp. "Do you think these people are going to give me the luxury of time?"