Chapter 61 Attacking My Wife?

The atmosphere in the conference room was stifling, like the calm before a storm. Howard sat at the head of the table, his posture rigid and his expression stern. His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, swept over the shareholders. Hayden and his son Jasper sat below, their eyes filled with discontent, like daggers aimed straight at Howard.

Clearing his throat, Howard spoke with a steady yet resolute tone, "Ladies and gentlemen, I propose we acquire the Johnson Group and then break it up for sale. I've sent the detailed plan to your emails." The room erupted into chaos, with shareholders whispering and debating among themselves.

Hayden shot up from his seat, leaning forward with his hands on the table, the first to challenge, "Howard, the Johnson Group is a crucial partner in our supply chain. This sudden acquisition will severely impact our fourth-quarter performance. Who will bear the consequences?" His tone was accusatory, his eyes fixed on Howard, demanding an explanation.

Jasper stood up as well, echoing his father, "Moreover, if the market perceives this as a retaliatory acquisition, our stock price will plummet, causing significant losses." The father-son duo's coordinated attack emboldened the usually indecisive executives, who now stood up one after another, voicing their opposition.

Howard's fists clenched involuntarily, his knuckles turning white from the pressure, his brows furrowed tightly. He spoke coldly, "So, are you all planning to use your veto power to threaten me?" His voice was icy, sending chills down everyone's spine.

Hayden straightened up, his face serious, "Howard, the company is not your personal tool for revenge. We have a responsibility to our thousands of employees and shareholders. We can't just follow your whims." The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with tension.

Meanwhile, in Howard's office, Valerie was anxiously waiting. She sat on the couch, leaning forward slightly, her eyes frequently glancing at the door.

Joseph walked in, his expression somber.

Valerie quickly stood up, asking urgently, "Joseph, how's the meeting going?"

Joseph hesitated before deciding to tell her the truth, "Mrs. Carter, after Laura kidnapped you and bribed those kidnappers to clear her name, Mr. Carter proposed acquiring the Johnson Group to get back at her. This move has faced strong opposition from the company's management. It's greatly affecting his position in the company."

Valerie's face turned pale, filled with anxiety and worry.

In the conference room, Howard's phone buzzed. He glanced at it and saw a concerned message from Valerie. His expression softened slightly, the tension in his face easing a bit.

"Alright," he finally "conceded," a faint smile playing on his lips, "I respect the board's decision."

Back in the office, Valerie clutched her phone, waiting for Howard to finish the meeting. Her anxiety grew, and in her agitation, she accidentally knocked over some files on the desk, scattering them on the floor. She sighed and knelt down to pick them up.

The office door opened, and a woman in a Chanel suit walked in gracefully. Isabella Taylor looked down at Valerie with disdain as she gathered the papers.

"Another one," Isabella scoffed internally. To her, Howard was her possession, and any woman who got close to him was trespassing on her territory, not out of love but out of a deep-seated sense of ownership.

Isabella had grown up with Howard, heir families had been close for generations, and she believed Howard was rightfully hers, like her designer bags and luxury cars, another symbol of her status.

Over the years, any woman who approached Howard was swiftly driven away by Isabella. It wasn't jealousy, just an unwillingness to let anyone covet what she considered hers.

With her privileged background and childhood connection to Howard, Isabella had always been domineering at the Carter Group. Seeing a plainly dressed woman in Howard's office, her eyes flashed with contempt.

Isabella strode forward, snatching the files from Valerie's hands, "These are confidential Carter Group documents. Who do you think you are?"

Valerie was taken aback, quickly explaining, "Howard asked me to wait here. I just accidentally knocked them over." She reached out to retrieve the files.

"Don't touch!" Isabella shrieked, throwing the files aside, scattering them further.

Hands on her hips, eyes blazing, she said, "Someone like you, calling him Howard? Know your place!"

Valerie sighed, kneeling to carefully pick up the papers, "I may not have the right to judge your status, but these documents are really important."

Isabella's anger flared, and with a cold laugh, she kicked at the papers.

Quick as a flash, Valerie grabbed Isabella's ankle. Caught off guard, Isabella stumbled back.

"You dare touch me?" Isabella was furious, her face red with rage. She grabbed a glass from the desk and hurled it at Valerie. Valerie dodged, and the glass shattered against the wall.

Isabella wasn't done. She lunged, grabbing Valerie's hair, shouting, "You little nobody, I'll teach you a lesson!"

At that critical moment, a cold voice came from the doorway, "Stop!" Both women turned to see Howard in his wheelchair, his gaze dark and menacing.

Isabella froze, her hand suspended in mid-air.

"Let her go," Howard's voice was low and filled with anger, carrying an invisible force that made everyone shiver.

"Howard... I was just trying to teach her a lesson..." Isabella tried to explain.

"I said, let her go!" Howard's voice rose, echoing in the room. Isabella flinched, releasing her grip.

Valerie, disheveled, quietly moved to Howard's side.

Howard looked up at Isabella, his gaze sharp as a knife, "Do you know what you were doing? Attacking my wife?"

"Wife?" Isabella's eyes widened in shock and disbelief, "Impossible! When did you get married?"