DRAMA NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 1617
Chapter 1617 The Next Leader
Edward seemed to take pleasure in Jayden's evident despair. He smirked before continuing, "Furthermore, there won't be any more actions against us. The messages you sent will be deleted by your supervisors.
"Jayden, it truly is a pity. Someone else is sitting pretty, reaping the rewards behind your back while you're out here risking your life. If I were you, I wouldn't remain loyal to that rotten place any longer. You'd be better off with us."
It was clear Edward was brainwashing him.
Wynter clenched her fists tighter as she listened in from a distance. There was nothing more devastating than shattering a person's faith. They intended to expose Jayden to the world, stripping him of any belief in the uniform he wore.
The remaining magnates, who had previously shown eagerness to leave, settled back into their seats, reverting to their earlier nonchalant demeanor.
Yes, how could they have forgotten? They set the rules here. Once an outsider entered, there was no escape. Their connections extended far beyond what Jayden could imagine.
They even found Jayden amusing. It was funny to them that he didn't inquire more about where he was stepping in before trying to investigate them. Look at him now, unable to escape.
In this place, one was nothing without power or influence.
The magnates exchanged knowing smiles, excitement glinting in their eyes.
Keesha let out a sigh of relief and laughed. "I thought there were actually some powerful police officers, but it seems Mr. Viovis is just inviting us to watch a show."
"It's just a reminder of how safe we are here." The old, deep voice resonated once again, carrying an unmistakable sense of oppression. "Recently, there have been many incidents, with the Wray and Montclair families, as you all have heard.
"Some have started to doubt my decisions and capabilities. But since we're in this partnership, I decided to show you what the fate of those who try to investigate us will be."
As soon as the words left Kael's lips, there was a loud bang. One of the guards lifted an electric baton and struck Jayden hard on the head. He had no time to react, collapsing backward and hitting the floor heavily.
In an instant, a team moved in, efficiently clearing the scene without leaving a single trace of blood behind.
Watching this unfold, Wynter remained outwardly calm. However, as soon as the surveillance camera swung toward her, she subtly made a rescue signal. She knew that a single strike wouldn't be the end for Jayden-they would certainly continue with something worse.
It was crucial to get him out, and beyond that, to identify the old voice's owner. Even though he appeared only through a screen, tracking his location was imperative!
Wolf immediately understood Wynter's gestures and swiftly began to act on the plan.
Human nature was something that was cultivated, and here, this idea took on real meaning. They seemed to possess the purest form of malice. Seeing Jayden being taken away only made the magnates even more excited.
"Mr. Viovis, no one would betray our organization. We're only going to grow more powerful, just as you said." Their words dripped with an almost religious fervor.
Kael's voice sounded once again. "What you just saw was only an appetizer. Now, the real bidding begins. You may place bids on whatever goods capture your interest. Oh, by the way, expect good news from the Chamber of Commerce."
The mention of the Chamber of Commerce caught Wynter's attention. She raised an eyebrow and wondered if they were targeting the Chamber as well.
Meanwhile, in the Chamber of Commerce, a tense emergency meeting was underway. Recent online controversies had stirred up attention in the Chamber, and every member had come prepared.
They were clutching files and exchanging sharp glances, particularly in Noah and Taylor's direction. The brothers could sense the underlying hostility.
An elder of the Chamber, Stetson Leftnan, entered. In an instant, everyone stood in respect.
With a gentle wave, he signaled them to sit before addressing the room, "As the Chamber of Commerce's members, you're all aware that we've been without a clear leader since Kenton's fall.
"Hence, we need an experienced, capable family with the Chamber's best interests at heart to take the reins. If anyone has suggestions, now is the time to voice them."
The families present couldn't rival the Whitman family in terms of power, so the voices on the scene were fairly unified.
"I support Mr. Waldron as the Chamber of Commerce's next chairman."
"I also support Mr. Waldron. I believe Mr. Waldron will be able to help the Chamber progress!"
"It's the same for me."
Noah's gaze narrowed, sensing the situation was progressing far too smoothly, almost as if orchestrated.
He looked over at Stetson. "Mr. Leftnan, isn't this a bit hasty? Not all members are present, and deciding right now feels rushed. Shouldn't we consider a re-vote?"
Stetson waved his hand dismissively. "Noah, the Whitman family has had enough on its plate lately. It might be wise for you to keep a low profile. I'm more than capable of making these decisions even with Mr. Reuben's absence!"
He stood up and continued, "However, Noah's point isn't without merit. Not all members are here, it would be too hasty to decide now.
"I also heard that Mr. Quinnell Senior's granddaughter recently arrived in Hawford. I'd like to meet her before we decide. If a temporary leader is needed, perhaps your grandfather, if his health permits, could step in."
But before he could finish, Edison rose from his seat. "Mr. Leftnan, I believe the Whitman family is unfit to lead the Chamber. Let me break it down into three points.
"Firstly, Noah's recent divorce scandal. His ex-wife's claims can't be entirely dismissed as fabrications.
"Second is the issue with the Whitman family's granddaughter, Wynter, who allegedly manipulated the stock market recently. She had led many people to invest, and the incident is already trending.
"While she carries the Quinnell surname, she's still the Whitman family's descendant. If Mr. Reuben can't manage his own granddaughter, how can he manage us?
"The public is starting to see the Chamber not as a body for small business support, but as a playground for certain socialites to establish their image while exploiting the average person.
"Mr. Leftnan, it might be time for the Whitman family to step down for the sake of the Chamber's reputation. What Wynter did was inexcusable."
Stetson reviewed the documents, his expression grave as he glanced at the ongoing media storm. It was indeed a mess.
Hearing the slander on Wynter, Noah couldn't hold back any longer. "My divorce has nothing to do with the Whitman family's reputation, and my niece has done nothing wrong.
"Judging her stock transaction as market manipulation based on a video of her carrying a suitcase to the exchange is absurd. She's merely assisting with the investigation, not detained indefinitely. Or is that what you would prefer?