The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 42

"Once the announcement goes public, the competition to partner with the Reed family will be fierce. It'll all come down to whether our Stewart family can distinguish itself."

"I wonder which member of the Reed family is leading the East District development this time. Making their acquaintance beforehand would smooth things considerably..."

The grand hall hummed with animated discussion.

Amid the lively exchanges, Stefan's expression turned thoughtful.

The Reed family of Mound City?

His mind drifted to Nina—her striking beauty and poised elegance, the memory of her damp, disheveled state still vivid and persistent.

A glance toward Sara found her calm and unreadable, seemingly unfazed by Micah's significant revelation.

When the discussions reached a crescendo, Micah raised a hand, calling for order. "Calm down."

The three family branches fell silent, attention fixed on him.

Micah's commanding gaze swept the room before he spoke, "Each branch currently manages its own division within the Stewart Group, yet the CEO position remains unfilled."

At this, Sara's eyes gleamed with sharp interest.

"I declare now that whichever branch first secures a partnership with the Reed family for the East District project will claim the vacant CEO role," Micah continued, his voice firm.

A heavy silence descended, thick with unspoken tension.

The Stewart Group's operations spanned diverse industries, each branch overseeing distinct sectors. But the CEO seat had been empty for years.

As chairman, Micah held ultimate authority, yet his advancing age necessitated a successor.

The CEO position represented that succession—whoever claimed it would gain Micah's endorsement and eventually lead the entire Stewart Group.

With that, Micah departed, leaving the three branches alone in Hidden Dragon Hall.

Hewitt cleared his throat, adopting an authoritative tone as the eldest. "As Dad's eldest son, I emphasize that partnering with the Reed family is vital for the Stewart family's ascent. Therefore, Frazier, Chuck—you should support my branch in achieving this goal, combining our efforts for the family's success."

"Uncle Hewitt, let's be direct. You want us to help your branch secure the partnership so you can claim the CEO position. We all serve the Stewart family's interests. But regarding the CEO role—let each branch compete on merit," Sara stated plainly.

All eyes shifted to Sara.

Her words were a clear declaration: she intended to compete for the CEO seat.

Such was her nature: when she competed, she did so openly.

"Sara, are you pursuing the CEO role?" Hewitt asked, his tone laced with surprise and challenge.