Beneath the Billionaire's Pride

chapter 9

Mr. Richard convened an emergency board meeting to address the pressing matters facing the company. In a move that raised eyebrows among some stakeholders, he entrusted Xavier with full authority to tackle the challenges ahead.

Xavier's primary objective was to win back the clients lost to Midrin Company, their chief competitor. To achieve this, Xavier devised a strategic plan to significantly reduce the prices of all products. By doing so, he aimed to poach clients from Midrin Company, which would struggle to compete with the newly lowered price point.

This bold move sparked concern among some stakeholders, who questioned the potential impact on the company's profit margins. Nevertheless, Xavier remained resolute in his conviction that this aggressive pricing strategy would ultimately yield positive results.

Mr. Richard's voice commanded attention as he addressed the gathering. "Let's get down to business. The price reduction on our products will take effect next week. This move will undoubtedly be perceived as a direct challenge to Meridin's dominance. We must be prepared to face their retaliation head-on, with unwavering resolve and determination."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Mr. Richard. Then, he dropped a bombshell: "Xavier will spearhead this project, and if we succeed, I will officially appoint him as the new CEO."

The announcement left everyone stunned, including Xavier. The room erupted into a mixture of shocked whispers and concerned murmurs. Some attendees exchanged skeptical glances, questioning whether Xavier was ready for such a monumental responsibility.

Xavier himself remained speechless, struggling to process the unexpected news. His father had never discussed such a possibility with him, and the sudden revelation left him reeling.

As the room continued to buzz with tension, Mr. Richard's gaze settled on Xavier, his expression a mix of anticipation and expectation. The weight of responsibility had been placed squarely on Xavier's shoulders, and the outcome would determine the future of the company.

If anybody has anything to say, feel free to speak your mind, Xavier's father announced.

Here's a rewritten version with some minor adjustments for clarity and flow:

Mr. Brown, the major stakeholder, rose from his seat, his voice firm and measured. "Gentlemen, let's separate emotions from business acumen. We all acknowledge Mr. Richard's desire to have his son succeed him, but we must prioritize the company's interests. Xavier's lifestyle and lack of interest in the company's affairs are well-documented. It's unwise to force this responsibility on someone who has demonstrated little enthusiasm for it."

Mr. Brown's gaze swept the room, his eyes locking onto Mr. Richard's. "I'm not diminishing the contributions your family has made to Thornton Industry's growth. However, as stakeholders, we've also invested significantly in this company. We cannot jeopardize our collective efforts by prioritizing sentiment over the company's well-being. Let's set emotions aside and focus on what's best for Thornton Industry's growth and prosperity."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Mr. Brown, as the weight of his words hung in the air.

Mr. Richard's eyes narrowed slightly as he asked, "So, who do you suggest should take over the company, Brown?"

Mr. Brown stood up, his confidence and authority radiating from his very presence. He paused for a moment, surveying the room before his gaze locked onto Mr. Richard's.

"I ," he said plainly, his voice firm and resolute.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Mr. Brown. The air was thick with tension as the weight of his statement hung in the air. Mr. Richard's expression remained unreadable, but a hint of surprise flickered in his eyes.

Mr. Richard's eyes narrowed as he asked, "And why do you think you're fit to be CEO over my son?"

Mr. Brown stood tall, his confidence unwavering. "Everyone in this room has witnessed my unwavering dedication to this company's growth. I've consistently demonstrated my ability to tackle challenges and make informed decisions. Why shouldn't I be considered for the CEO position, especially when the alternative is someone who has shown little interest in the company's affairs?"

Mr. Richard's expression turned skeptical. "And who is this 'incompetent person' you're referring to?"

Mr. Brown replied, "Xavier, of course."

Xavier's face reddened with irritation as he interrupted, "I won't sit here and let you disparage me with false information. Enough of these baseless accusations!" His voice rose, fueled by indignation. "I don't know where you got the idea that I don't have the company's best interests at heart. Why are you projecting your own behavior onto me, Mr. Brown?"

Mr. Brown's face fell, confusion etched on his features. "I beg your pardon, Xavier.

Mr. Brown's confusion deepened as he asked, "I beg your pardon, Xavier, " he repeated ," What do you mean by your last statement?"

Xavier's expression turned resolute. "Never mind, I'll just get to the point. I've discovered some discrepancies in the company's finances."

He paused, surveying the room before continuing. "Two weeks ago, I noticed that the funds allocated for projects weren't being fully utilized, resulting in subpar outcomes. Initially, I thought it was an isolated mistake, but as I dug deeper, I found that this had been going on for a long time."

Xavier's gaze locked onto Mr. Brown. "I consulted with the chief accountant, and after reviewing the records, I discovered a disturbing pattern. The amounts being withdrawn from the company account for projects didn't match the reported expenditures. It became clear that someone was manipulating the records, and I found that you, Mr. Brown, was partly responsible for this scheme, instructing others on what to report”.

Mr. Brown's face turned beet red with indignation. "How dare you, Xavier! You, who have little to no interest in this company, accuse me of such a thing in front of your father, the board members, and stakeholders?"

He turned to Mr. Richard, his voice dripping with resentment. "I won't sit here and be disrespected by your son, Mr. Richard."

Xavier stood up, his tone calm and measured. "I never accused you of embezzlement, Mr. Brown. I merely asked a question to clarify the discrepancies in the project funds. I'd appreciate it if you could provide a clear explanation for everyone's benefit."

His gaze locked onto Mr. Brown's. "And for the record, I firmly believe you're not fit to be CEO. Anyone else in this room would be a better candidate."

Mr. Brown's face reddened further, his anger palpable. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the unfolding drama.

Mr. Richard intervened, his voice firm. "Enough. This meeting has gone off track. Xavier, Aliyah, Jude, Mr. Wood, and the rest of the team will investigate the financial discrepancies. We'll reconvene once we have the facts”.

Mr. Richard stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "I'd like everyone to return to their respective duties. Let's keep this discussion confidential, within these walls."

He nodded in appreciation. "Thank you all for attending this impromptu meeting. I appreciate your prompt response."

With that, Mr. Richard exited the conference hall, leaving the attendees to process the events that had just unfolded.

The conference hall erupted into a flurry of hushed conversations, with attendees eagerly discussing the dramatic events that had just transpired. Mr. Brown's frustration was palpable as he tapped his shoe impatiently on the marble floor, struggling to compose himself.

In stark contrast, Xavier's expression remained serene, as if the confrontation had barely registered on his radar. With a calm demeanor, he methodically arranged his briefcase, then stood up and exited the conference hall, seemingly unfazed by the tension.

As he walked out, Mr. Brown's eyes narrowed, his gaze burning with intensity, but Xavier didn't flinch, his confidence and composure unwavering.

Xavier had a reputation for being abrasive, but today's meeting revealed a new side of him. The usually restrained Xavier unleashed his pent-up frustration, and Mr. Brown bore the brunt of it. By repeatedly questioning Xavier's competence, Mr. Brown had unwittingly provoked him, pushing him to defend himself. It was a rare display of emotion from Xavier, and it left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.

Mr. Brown was left stunned and speechless, his face reddening with indignation. It was clear that he was seething with anger and desperation, his eyes blazing with a desire to retaliate against Xavier for his bold outburst. For a moment, it seemed as though he was on the verge of lashing out, but somehow he managed to restrain himself, his anger simmering just below the surface.

Aliyah followed Xavier's lead, exiting the conference hall with a thoughtful expression. The remaining attendees gradually trailed out, their conversations fading into the distance.

Within minutes, the conference hall had returned to its previous state of calm, the only reminder of the drama that had unfolded being the faint echo of hushed voices and the soft rustle of papers left behind.