Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 381

"Come on, guys, it's not fair to say that," boomed a voice with a clear allegiance to my dad, a loyalist through and through. "Let's not forget Galen's role in saving VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals. This place was a hair's breadth from bankruptcy. Without his efforts to bring in a hefty investment and convincing Bennett to buy in with his tech, where would our shiny nickels have gotten us, huh?"

My dad just chuckled at these words, the picture of composure.

The voice continued, "We all started as scrappy underdogs, remember? If it wasn't for Galen, the windfall we made back in the day would've been squandered in a heartbeat. Don't tell me it's not true. Think about it, which one of us had the know-how to run a big operation? I say, contentment is key. Now we just lay back and rake in the dividends, which have multiplied who knows how many times over since our initial stake. And that without lifting a finger. Be grateful!"

That voice was unmistakably Emmett's.

"Ha... Emmett, you and your contentment," someone jeered. "Let's see you stick to that at year's end. Take a stand, man! Show some backbone!"

The room erupted with laughter.

Annoyed, Emmett snapped back, "Is that any way to talk?"

"Why not? Isn't investment all about making money? So, we take our share, and we're supposed to kiss the ground he walks on? Why don't you just take him home and care for him, since his daughter's moved far away? You'd have the perfect chance to play the devoted son he never had!" The voice cackled wickedly.

I was fuming, but a glance at my dad showed me he was neither angry nor upset, just listening with keen interest. Bennett gave me a 'shush' gesture and pointed to his ear, whispering, "Listen a bit more." A loud 'snap' came from inside - Someone had lost their cool.

"Cut the crap!" Emmett bellowed. "Claud, you're nothing but a disgrace, a real pot-stirrer! Aside from the initial few bucks you threw in, what have you done for VitalAxis Pharmaceuticals? You bellyache over every penny!"

"I might not have done much, but without my cash back then, even Galen couldn't have pulled it off! Oh, you think you're above it now? Ha... too late! I invested a lot, and I expect my full share!" Claud retorted. Clearly, he was a shameless character.

"Enough! No more infighting. Remember why we're here today!" Kemp interjected, trying to act the part of the peacekeeper.

Another voice chimed in, "Right, we're here to push Bennett into production, pronto!"

"Did you even grasp what I said?" Kemp's tone was sharp, pressing the previous speaker.

"You think Galen's going to step aside? Not likely. Getting Bennett into production is the real play," the defiant voice rationalized.

"You're so damn obtuse!" Kemp spat out. "Let me make it clear-if Galen doesn't get the boot, we'll never see the top."

"What about the major shareholder? Galen's just managing at his behest. Besides, that shareholder appointed Bennett to assist Galen, so..."

"And your point? Look, I know ousting Bennett won't be easy-he's backed by a major consortium, and his technical stake is impressive, no denying that. But what does Galen have? Passion?" Kemp's voice dripped with disdain.

Laughter filled the conference room.

"If passion's what it takes, well, I've got that in spades! I can take over his duties, no sweat. He's too old for this grind, pouring his heart and soul into it. It's only fair, both emotionally and logically, for him to retire!"

"But Kemp, you really think you can persuade Galen to hand over the reins gracefully?"

"Ha! If I didn't have a plan, I wouldn't talk big. I've got a list of his crimes right here. When the time comes, you just need to pick sides. I promise, with me, Kemp, at the helm, I'll bump up everyone's dividends by two percent!"

At that, Bennett scoffed and motioned for us to follow him. With determination in his step, he strode toward the conference room door and with a forceful push, swung it open...