Chapter 555:

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Harold, of course, understood the stakes. But he knew that Clinton’s decision effectively stripped him of his authority as CEO. It would inevitably split the company into two factions: one supporting him, and the other supporting his brother, Brent, and his son. Worse, suspending other projects to gamble everything on these two collaborations was an extremely high-risk move. If these two projects failed, the company’s losses would be catastrophic.

“Get the board together immediately,” he commanded. “I want to re-evaluate the company’s resource allocation plan.”

“Yes, Mr. Morgan.”

After the secretary left, Emmalyn spoke to her father with concern. “Dad, I’m afraid Brent and his son are planning to challenge us openly. Once these two projects are successfully launched and on track, the partners won’t be able to simply terminate the contracts, even with Hayley gone. By then, the credit for these projects will significantly boost their status and influence within the company.”

“I’m well aware of that,” Harold said, viciously stubbing out his cigarette in the ashtray. His voice was grim. “I will never let them have their way. Since Grandfather claims he only cares about the company’s interests and isn’t taking sides, then to protect our position, I’ll have to step in personally and seize control of the projects.”

After a moment of thought, he gave Emmalyn an order. “Emmalyn, go to the Project Department right now. If you can take control of that department, you’ll have them by the throat, and they won’t be able to move forward.”

“Yes!”

𝘓а𝗍es𝗍 сh𝖺p𝘁𝖾𝗋ѕ оn 𝗴𝘢𝗹𝗇𝘰𝘃еlѕ.𝖼𝘰m

Emmalyn immediately called for Paula and Karin, and the three of them headed for the Project Department.

Ever since Hayley had left, the employees in the Project Department had grown lax. Hayley possessed a powerful, intimidating presence; even if she said nothing and simply sat in her office, the entire department felt the pressure and didn’t dare to slack off.

Just then, Emmalyn strode in imperiously with her two companions. She clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention and announced loudly, “Listen up, everyone. Starting today, I will be officially taking over the Project Department—”

“You’re taking over the Project Department?” a voice interrupted. “Then where does that leave me?”

The words had barely left her mouth when Allie walked out of the manager’s office.

Emmalyn’s eyes widened in shock. She stared at the other woman in disbelief. “Allie? What are you doing here?”

“Why shouldn’t I be here?” Allie rolled her eyes impatiently. “Now that my cousin Hayley is gone, I’m taking over her position. Is there a problem with that?”

“That’s impossible!” Emmalyn retorted angrily. “The company appointed you to run the Project Department? Why wasn’t I informed?”

“Because this appointment was issued by Clinton himself. It doesn’t require the CEO’s approval.”

Emmalyn’s heart sank as a profound sense of unease washed over her. She realized her father’s worst fears had come true.

Grandfather had given up on Hayley, but to prevent their branch of the family from becoming too powerful, he was deliberately weakening her father’s authority. First, he had promoted Brent and his son, and now he had put Allie in charge of the crucial Project Department.

Damn it, she thought. Had they gone through all that trouble to get rid of Hayley just so someone else could reap all the benefits?

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