Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1141

Of the remaining shares, the dozen or so shareholders present held twenty-five percent combined, while the final five percent floated in the retail market.

Back when Nelson Madden was at the helm, the Madden family might have been small in number, but they held absolute dominance in shares. With Jerome Madden's exceptional competence executing Nelson's unwavering authority, the overall stability of the Madden Group was rock solid.

The shareholders never entertained any ulterior motives and remained fundamentally loyal to Nelson.

But now, Nelson was gone.

The only remaining true Madden was an elderly woman suffering from dementia. No matter how brilliant Jerome was, he didn't share the family blood.

There was no guarantee that Nelson's shares would even be passed down to Jerome.

To make matters worse, an accident had befallen Lizetta Madden, leaving the fate of her ten percent up in the air.

Relying solely on the meager shares Jerome possessed was simply a drop in the bucket.

This sudden power vacuum had turned Chairman Porter and his sons into the largest shareholders.

Over the past few days, the three men had been making quiet rounds, sweet-talking the board members to secure their loyalty.

They had also been aggressively buying out their shares.

Taking advantage of the Madden Group's plummeting stock amid the turmoil, they were frantically scooping up retail shares from the market.

By now, they believed victory was already in the bag.

However, if Nelson had left a will ensuring Jerome inherited his shares, things could change.

If Jerome could also secure Conrad West's backing, the shareholders might begin to waver, leaving the situation entirely unpredictable.

"They're here. The Porters are here."

The sound of approaching footsteps echoed outside the office, followed by someone's hushed warning.

Instantly, a heavy silence fell over the room. The atmosphere grew solemn, and all murmurs ceased.

Chairman Porter stared at the seat, naked ambition gleaming in his eyes.

He had coveted that chair for years, but as long as Nelson was around, he was forced to sit on the sidelines.

Now, his long-awaited dream was finally within reach.

Feigning humility, he suppressed his desperate eagerness and waved his hand in a show of modesty.

"No, no, that wouldn't be appropriate. That is the chairman's seat. I'll just sit in my usual spot."

As he made a move to step aside, the eager shareholder grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Chairman Porter, you are the only one meant for this seat! Who else could possibly take it? In terms of seniority, leadership, and shares, you're the only one qualified to anchor this company. The Madden Group is weathering a brutal storm right now, and we're all counting on you to guide us through it so we can keep turning a profit! Isn't that right, everyone?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, several other shareholders eagerly chimed in to agree.