Chapter 271
Brinley wrapped up the most pressing tasks on her list and checked the clock.
Less than thirty minutes remained before Shaw Group’s board meeting was set to begin.
She pressed the intercom and instructed firmly, “Corbin, you’re coming with me to Shaw Group.”
Corbin froze for a second before answering, “Understood.” He couldn’t hide his surprise. It wasn’t common for someone like him—an assistant—to be asked to join such a major, high-level meeting.
But the fact that she trusted him enough to bring him along made his chest swell with excitement.
When they arrived at Shaw Group’s headquarters, the receptionist greeted Brinley warmly. With a smile, she said, “Mrs. Moore, the board members are already in the conference room waiting for you.”
Brinley gave a polite nod and strode toward the elevator, Corbin quickly following in her shadow.
Their figures reflected in the polished elevator doors: Brinley stood tall, her expression collected and composed, looking elegant and commanding.
As the elevator opened, the corridor leading to the conference room was silent except for the sound of their footsteps.
The moment they pushed the door open, the low murmurs and side conversations inside the room cut off abruptly. Every pair of eyes turned toward the entrance.
Brinley calmly scanned the room and walked straight to the head seat at the long table.
Two middle-aged men sitting near the door immediately frowned, and one said in a deep voice, “Brinley, the board meeting is one of the company’s core events. Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to bring an outsider here?”
The air in the room grew heavy.
Corbin felt his stomach tighten and instinctively drew back, fingers worrying at his sleeve. He could feel everyone’s judging, contemptuous stares on him, and it made him want to vanish.
Brinley, meanwhile, behaved as if she hadn’t heard a word. She took her seat at the head of the table, calm and unhurried.
After settling in, she fixed her gaze on the man who had spoken. “This is my assistant, Corbin Burke,” Brinley said, her voice calm but commanding. “I brought him to take care of relevant matters during the meeting. Is that a problem?”
Another board member, aligned with Lachlan’s side, added in a mocking tone, “Rules are rules. Assistants don’t belong in board meetings. Imagine the gossip that would ensue if this became public.”
Brinley gave a faint, cold smile. She rose to her feet, letting her eyes sweep across the room before settling on the two board members who had challenged her.
“Rules? And who exactly defines these rules?” she asked evenly. “Point out to me exactly where it states in Shaw Group’s protocols that the CEO is forbidden from bringing an assistant into a board meeting.”
She paused, her voice hardening as her presence sharpened into something unmistakably imposing. “Or is it that you think I—the majority shareholder holding forty percent of the company—don’t even have the right to decide who sits beside me in this room?”
Her words struck like a blow, freezing the atmosphere.
The board members knew the truth: with forty percent of the shares in her hands, Brinley held absolute authority in Shaw Group. She had more than enough power to silence anyone who opposed her.
The two men who had spoken so confidently moments earlier fell silent, their faces paling before turning red with embarrassment. Their mouths opened slightly, but no words came out.
They understood now that Brinley was using her authority to put them firmly in their place. Outwardly, she seemed to be standing up for her assistant, but beyond that, she was making it clear to everyone in the room that any challenge to her would not be tolerated.
Brinley took in their silence, her voice turning even more intimidating. “I know some of you aren’t happy, believing I’m here only because of my father’s shares. But let me remind you: those shares were passed down legally. I am the rightful shareholder of Shaw Group, and within these walls, my authority is final. From now on, I won’t accept anyone questioning my decisions.”
She swept a cold look across the table before adding, “If anyone feels they can’t accept that, you’re free to put your shares up for transfer. I’m fully prepared to take complete control at any time.”
The entire conference room was gripped by silence, so complete one could hear a pin drop.
Brinley’s commanding presence left the room subdued, and not a single person dared to voice an objection.
Behind her, Corbin observed her steady posture and uncompromising tone. The anxiety he’d felt earlier had completely vanished, replaced by deep admiration.
He had never witnessed Brinley act this bold and authoritative, holding her ground against seasoned board members and dismantling their resistance with only a few sharp words. Her dominance was nothing short of inspiring.
Once she was sure no one else intended to speak, Brinley gave a small nod and settled back into her seat. “Let’s move on to today’s agenda.”
She lifted the file in front of her and dove right in. “The main topic today is the merger between VantagePath Realty and Shaw Group. My assistant has already distributed the proposal to each of you. If you have any thoughts, feel free to raise them now.”
As the board members flipped through the documents, the rustle of paper filled the room.
After some time, an older board member with greying hair placed the file down and spoke cautiously. “We’ve already discussed this matter among ourselves, and overall, we see the merger as viable. VantagePath Realty’s progress in recent years has been undeniable, and this partnership could benefit both sides.”
Brinley gestured for him to continue.
The man nodded and added, “However, we believe VantagePath Realty shouldn’t be fully integrated into Shaw Group too hastily. Our suggestion is to allow a one-month trial period. During that time, VantagePath Realty would function as an independent department under Shaw Group.”
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