CHAPTER 489: MOCKING YOURSELF?

"I came to Reid Group for one reason—to follow Mr. Reid. If he’s not the chairman, there’s no point in me staying. Of course, I want Mr. Reid to continue as chairman."

"So do I."

"Me too..."

The shareholders spoke one after another, and not a single one admitted to voting against him.

Every word they said sent a clear message to the outside world—

Everyone in Reid Group trusts Logan.

They believe in him, they follow him. The storm of rumors outside hadn’t shaken Reid Group’s core. Inside, the shareholders were still united.

So then—were those accusations about Logan embezzling funds, slacking off, causing massive losses, and pinning the blame on scapegoats... really true?

After all, if Logan really caused billions in losses, who would that impact first? The shareholders’ dividends.

That’s real money.

One or two shareholders might tolerate him out of personal loyalty, but all of them? No way.

If Logan had cost them even a few billion, there would’ve been complaints—if not outright rebellion. But listening to what they just said, they weren’t merely tolerating Logan—they were openly admiring him. They were willing to follow him.

A reporter whispered, "That’s... charisma, huh?"

"None of these shareholders have any reason to lie. Who goes against their own profits? With the right leader, they just sit back and make money."

"If even the entire Reid Group stands behind Mr. Reid like this, then those rumors must be false."

"But then how did those rumors spread right now, of all times? They almost cost Mr. Reid his position. If that had happened..."

Eyes quietly shifted toward Amelia and Owen.

No one said a word, but the silence spoke louder than anything.

"I don’t believe this!" Owen exploded. He’d never been the calm type, and now that everything was going against him, he snapped, leaping to his feet.

"I don’t believe it! Director Taylor, you—you told me you’d back me as chairman! You even took my money!"

Taylor didn’t even flinch. He actually looked surprised. "Back you? Master Reid, are you sure you’re not mistaken?"

"That’s impossible! You agreed—I know you did! And Mr. Butler, you said you believed in me more!"

Butler slowly shook his head. "Master Reid, you really must be mistaken. Even if Director Taylor and I are getting on in years, we’re not so senile we can’t see straight."

The implication was obvious—Abandon Logan for you? Are you insane? Delusional, maybe?

"And about that money... you’re welcome to dig through my accounts," Butler added coolly. "But as far as I recall, I’ve never taken a cent."

Owen froze, stunned. He refused to believe it. He rattled off name after name—

"Director Wilson, Director Ford, Mr. Green—you all promised me—"

Those men all shook their heads.

"Mr. Reid built Reid Group with his own hands. We’ve followed him for ten years. We know his ability. He’s doing an excellent job as chairman—why would we remove him over a few rumors?"

"Master Reid, if you keep throwing tantrums like this, I might start to wonder... maybe those ugly rumors about Mr. Reid came from you."

The room went still.

Because if Owen wanted to be chairman of Reid Group, the current chairman—Logan—was in the way.

And everyone already knew exactly where Amelia and the Reid Family stood when it came to Logan...

Impossible. Impossible...

Owen shook his head frantically. Just yesterday, these very board members were all smiles, congratulating him—congratulating him on becoming the next chairman of Reid Group.

They’d even said, "Please look after us in the future, Chairman Owen."

And now—now they’d all turned on him?!

Amelia was trembling with rage, her whole body shaking. No. How could this happen?!

These shareholders had all promised her. They’d sworn they’d vote against Logan.

Not just one or two—dozens.

She was certain she controlled eighty percent of the votes. At least eighty percent would vote against Logan.

But now? Forget eighty percent—not one single person opposed him.

This massive, powerful empire—all of Reid Group—was united.

Not one voice against Logan.

Suddenly, a thought hit her like ice water.

She locked eyes with Logan.

Her "son."

He sat there, calm as ever, sipping his tea.

Not the slightest flicker of surprise. Not a ripple in those sharp eyes.

Which meant one thing—Logan knew this would happen all along.

Amelia felt a surge of fury claw up her chest.

She suddenly understood.

She had been played.

Logan played her.

From beginning to end, those shareholders never planned to betray Logan.

Their smiles, their promises—it had all been an act.

All so they could crush her in this moment.

"Logan!" Amelia screamed, forgetting to play the refined lady.

She lunged, clawing for his collar.

"You planned this! You manipulated us!"

"Mrs. Perry. Watch your words."

Logan set down his teacup, lifted his gaze lazily—there was the ghost of a smile at his lips.

"Manipulated you? What exactly did I manipulate?"

And he was right.

What had Logan done?

He hadn’t spread the rumors.

He hadn’t broken any laws.

Amelia stumbled back a few steps, the reality sinking in—she was losing, completely losing.

Her hands clenched.

Suddenly—an idea.

Her eyes lit up.

"Logan, what if you bribed those shareholders behind the scenes?"

"Even if they all support you, it doesn’t mean you didn’t do those things!"

Several shareholders’ faces hardened with anger.

Logan’s calm didn’t so much as crack.

"Oh?"

Amelia straightened her back, clinging to her last thread of confidence.

"Logan—the one who reported you—was your own wife, Selina. You two were so ’in love,’ weren’t you? Then why did she report you?"

"Don’t you know the answer in your heart?!"

The room went dead silent again.

Everyone had heard the whispers that Mrs. Reid had reported her own husband.

But now?

Seeing how much the board trusted Logan, people were starting to wonder—

Would Mrs. Reid really report him? Was there more to the story?

Amelia’s eyes darted, sharp and calculating.

"Logan—if you didn’t do those heinous things, why would Selina report you?"

"Oh, and she said you cheated. That she’s divorcing you!"

"The Morris Family has come to you countless times over it!"

"No matter how you spin it, your image isn’t fit for a chairman anymore!"

She turned to the others, voice ringing.

"You don’t want a cheating man running Reid Group, do you?!"

"Every time someone mentions Reid Group, they’ll think of his affairs! Does Reid Group really want to be tied to that?!"

She rounded on Logan, eyes blazing.

"Logan—don’t you have any shame?!"

The room froze.

Half a minute passed before anyone breathed.

Then, Logan laughed.

A sharp, cutting laugh.

"Mrs. Perry, first—I never cheated.

Second—"

He tilted his head slightly, voice smooth and cold.

"Let’s say I did. Even if I did."

"Mrs. Perry—you, as the classic mistress-turned-wife..."

"And my father—the textbook cheating husband..."

"You all have the nerve."

His gaze cut into her like glass.

"So tell me—why wouldn’t I?"