In the blink of an eye, they reached the Chairman's office on the tower's top floor. Even though the janitor had already cleaned it, Gideon Boysen hastily wiped the sofa with his sleeve and respectfully gestured for Ethan to sit. He quickly made a cup of tea and served it with trembling hands. "I'm not sure what kind of tea you prefer. This is premium quality Panda Dung tea. If you'd like something else, I can prepare it immediately."
Ethan stopped him with a wave of his hand and stared at him with a mirthless smile.
Gideon's nervous laughter died in his throat as Ethan's piercing gaze bore into him. Sweat began to bead on Gideon's chubby face, each droplet a testament to his growing anxiety.
He attempted to strike up a conversation several times, but Ethan's intimidating eyes silenced him each time. With every passing second, the silence grew heavier, and Gideon's unease deepened.
Smack!
Ethan threw a folder of documents onto the table, making a sound that gave Gideon an enormous shock and almost caused him to spring up from his seat even though it wasn't loud.
Ethan angled his chin at the documents. "Mr. Boysen, take a look at it yourself."
Gideon carefully opened the documents and looked at the first two sentences, after which his face turned pale, and he started shuddering.
"Read it out loud," Ethan ordered calmly.
"I-I…" Gideon stammered while sweating profusely and shivering continuously. The content of the documents was outrageous. How could he read it aloud?
"You refuse to read it. I'll read it for you." Ethan began reading every single word on the documents out loud smoothly as if he had already memorized it like the back of his hand.
"July 2018. A materials fund embezzlement of two hundred thousand dollars in cooperation with the Soen Group.
"October 2018. Accepted bribes from Celyn Enterprises on the building materials, procured a batch of inferior building materials at a high price, and subsequently paid compensation due to quality problems, causing the company to incur losses of more than a million dollars.
"March 2019…"
…
Unable to bear the tension any longer, Gideon's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor with a resounding thud. His face drained of color as he knelt there, becoming as pale as a ghost.
The young Chairman's piercing gaze and the overwhelming evidence in Ethan's possession had shattered his composure. Gideon had never imagined that Ethan would swiftly uncover so much incriminating information against him. There were records and proofs he had meticulously destroyed, yet Ethan had somehow obtained them all.
The weight of his potential downfall weighs heavily on him. If Ethan chose to press charges, Gideon knew he would face not only the seizure of all his assets but also likely imprisonment. Reality struck him. He would have no future!
"It was a moment of sheer foolishness that led me to such grave errors," Gideon pleaded, his voice quivering with desperation. "Chairman, I beg you to show mercy and grant me another chance. I promise to mend my ways, rectify the damages, and work tirelessly to enhance the company's value!"
"Ethan, should we get rid of him?" Dylan appeared beside Ethan at some point. He suggested a brutal solution as soon as he spoke.
Gideon was so frightened that he almost peed his pants!
Ethan was going to take over the position of Chairman, and Gideon was aware of some of his past. Although he was unclear about the details, he knew that Ethan had taken several lives before. He didn't doubt the authenticity of these words.
"C-Chairman Knight, p-please spare me! If you let me off, I will do anything you want!"
Ethan glanced at Dylan with some displeasure. "We're not there now. Don't kill someone as soon as we return."
After hearing this, Gideon heaved a sigh of relief, but he soon heard Ethan's indifferent voice above his head.
"I can give you a chance, but it depends on you to grasp it. Mr. Boysen, you're a smart man. I'm sure you know what I mean."
Gideon felt relief wash over him, his heart racing with hope. "Yes, yes, thank you, Chairman! I will follow your orders without fail!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with gratitude and fear.
Ethan gave Gideon a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning to leave. As the door closed behind Ethan, Gideon finally allowed himself to collapse, his body trembling and his back soaked with cold sweat. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. He knew he had no choice but to comply with Ethan's demands. The young Chairman, Ethan Knight, was a force to be reckoned with. His calm demeanor and indifferent tone were more terrifying than any harsh words could have been. Gideon was too frightened to even think about defying him.
Outside the Orion Industries office building, Dylan couldn't contain his frustration. "Ethan, are you going to let that scoundrel off the hook? Are you going to let him stay on as the General Manager?"
Ethan's gaze was steady. "There's no rush. I've just returned and don't have a suitable replacement in mind yet. Gideon is under my control now. Despite his flaws, he's competent and knows Orion Industries and the local forces well. He can remain in his position for now. The future will depend on whether or not he proves loyal."
Ethan paused, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Orion Industries has been under the Quinn family's control for many years. The relationships here are intricate and deeply rooted. We need to be strategic. When we have enough allies, we'll initiate a thorough purge and replace most of the personnel."
"Alright, Ethan! I can't wait to see that day come," Dylan said, rubbing his hands eagerly.
Ethan chuckled, finding Dylan's enthusiasm somewhat amusing. Dylan had always been reckless, drawn to chaos and the excitement of unfolding drama.
"Sticking with me might limit your chances to show your talents, you know…" Ethan began.
"No, Ethan, don't even say it," Dylan interrupted, shaking his head vigorously. "I told you when I left Vallorbe to come to Emerald Coast County with you, I'm not interested in building my empire. I want to follow you. So, don't even think about sending me back."
Ethan nodded, appreciating Dylan's loyalty. He chose not to argue further.
"In that case, I need you to gather information around Emerald Coast County. Find out everything you can for me. Especially…" Ethan's expression darkened, a storm of anger brewing in his eyes. "Find the person who set me and Anastasia up seven years ago."