Chapter 181 Challengers and Chess Pieces

Finished

Hearing Naomi’s shameless remarks, Henry let out a cold chuckle. “I’m usually pretty patient with girls, but you’re the one exception. It’s not because you’re special–it’s because you’re absolutely shameless.”

With that, he pulled Eliza along and said, “Come on, Elizze. Let’s not waste time on someone like her. If we don’t hurry, the food will be cold.”

He led her out of the ssroom.

Naomi’s expression darkened instantly. “Henry! You probably don’t even know, but Eliza’s been making a ton of money off the medicine you sold her at a discount. She’s been cashing in and never even treated you like a real friend! Why go out of your way for someone like that?”

Her face was full of smug satisfaction, thinking she’d finally exposed Eliza and ruined her standing. But to her surprise, Henry turned and replied, “I’ve known about that for a long time. You think everyone’s as selfish as you?”

“What?!b” /b

Naomi’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected Eliza to actually tell Henry about it.

Henry added coldly, “And let me warn you–stay out of my sight from now on. If I see you again, I’ll hit you again.”

“Henry, you-!”

Naomi stomped her foot in frustration.

Outside the ssroom, Eliza walked beside Henry. He stopped for a moment and said, “Don’t listen to anything she said. I never med you.”

“I know.”

Eliza smiled. “I’m really happy to have you as a friend.”

Henry smiled back. “Alright then, let’s go eat.”

“Okay.”

Eliza followed him out of the academic building.

“By the way, where’s Nn?”

Henry had just mentioned Colton and Lewis, but not Nn.

“Oh, him? He came to school this morning, then left.”

“He left?b” /b

Eliza blinked. “Why bso /bsuddenly?”

Chapter 181 Challengers and Chess Pieces

She remembered they had alle to school together earlier.

“He’s the head of the Hayes family. He’s got a ton of responsibilities. And honestly, college isn’t something he really needs. I don’t know what he was thinkingb, /bing to the most academically demanding school in the country.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, Nn doesn’t need to be here. With his brain, he could’ve just bought a diploma. Hayes Corp has more than enough on its te. He’s running the whole thing on his own and still has to watch out for his uncle. It’s way too much.”

Eliza fell silent at that.

Henry noticed and quickly added, “Then again, maybe he just wanted the full college experience. Maybe he’s trying to build more connections.”

But Eliza saw through that excuse immediately.

As the head of the Hayes family, Nn was already the most valuable connection anyone in Westbrook could hope for. Even without stepping foot in ire University, people would be lining up to meet him.

If anything, Nn was the one avoiding them.

iCould /iiit /iibe /iibecause /iiof/ii… /i

That thought stayed in Eliza’s mind, but she didn’t voice it. It felt a little too conceited.

Who would choose a university just for someone else?

Meanwhile, at Hayes Corp headquarters-

Inside the conference room, all the shareholders were seated.

But no one dared to speak. The entire room was silent, not even the sound of a breath.

At the head of the table sat Nn, impably dressed in a tailored suit, eyes closed as he rested.

After a long moment, he finally spoke. “So it seems everyone’s intentions are quite clear.”

Just one sentence was enough to tense the room.

“You all want my uncle to take my ce, is that it?”

His voice was bas /bcold as ice.

Several men flinched involuntarily.

“Sir, we’re only thinking about thepany’s future.”

“Yesb, /bexactly. It’s about thepany’s long–term interests. Since you’re still in school, bit’s /bhard for you to

juggle everything.”

“Mr. Tyson has been fully dedicated to thepany over the years. We all trust him. We believe he can lead Hayes Corp to greatnessb./bb” /b

The voices came one after another.

Nn said tly, “So you’re saying I’m not capable of leading you to greatnessb./bb” /b

“Sir, please don’t take it personally. Everyone’s just speaking from the heart.”

“Yes, thepany can’t be without a leader. We’re just hoping you’ll sacrifice for the greater good. We’d all be grateful!”

Watching these sly old men spinning their sugar–coated nonsense, Nn’s lips suddenly curled into a

smile.

That smile sent a chill through the room.

“If that’s how everyone feels, then there’s no need to continue this conversation.”

“So… you’re agreeing to it?”

Mr. Jordon, one of the older shareholders, let out a breath of relief.

“Mr. Nn, you may be young, but you’re clearly reasonable. Once you graduate, your future will be limitless!”

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