Chapter 125
Iris's POV
The conference room fell into a stunned silence after my announcement. I could practically see the mental calculations happening behind each pair of eyes as they processed what I had just said. Eight board members, most of whom had never bothered to learn my name properly, now stared at me like I was an alien who had suddenly materialized in their precious boardroom.
"You can't be serious," my uncle Thomas finally broke the silence, his face turning an interesting shade of crimson. "You want to terminate the partnership with Callahan Industries? That partnership has been profitable for three years!"
I didn't immediately respond, simply letting my gaze travel around the table. The partnership had indeed been profitable—for Thomas and his golf buddies, not for the company. The kickbacks were well hidden, but not hidden well enough from someone with Lowell resources at their disposal.
"Thomas, I've reviewed the numbers," I said calmly. "The Callahan partnership costs us more than it brings in. Their manufacturing standards are subpar, and their delivery times have caused us to miss deadlines with our own clients twice this quarter alone."
Thomas slammed his hand on the table. "What do you even know about running this company? You've been CEO for all of what, five minutes?" His voice rose with each word. "You waltz in here with your fancy papers and think you can just change everything overnight?"
I remained perfectly still, maintaining eye contact. "Yes, that's exactly what I think." My voice was soft but carried to every corner of the silent room. "And it's not what I think—it's what I know. The decision is made."
Thomas stood up, towering over me from across the table. "You... you can't do this! Who do you think you are to speak to me this way?!" His face contorted with rage. "Do you really think those shares of yours are worth anything? We can vote you out!"
I couldn't help but smile slightly at his desperation. "I'd like to see you try." I looked around the table again, noting how no one would meet either his gaze or mine. "Does anyone else share Thomas's concerns? Now would be the time to speak up."
The silence stretched painfully. Not a single person dared to side with Thomas. They all remembered how quickly I had ascended to power, how thoroughly I had documented the previous management's failings. Most importantly, they all knew what I had announced at the beginning of the meeting.
"As I mentioned," I continued when no one spoke, "the Lowell family stands firmly behind this decision and all future restructuring efforts. Their resources and connections are now at Stone Industries' disposal."
Thomas's face went from red to white. The implications were clear to everyone in the room. The Lowells were not just wealthy and influential in the human world—they were ancient and powerful in werewolf society. Crossing them was unthinkable.
"This meeting is adjourned," I said, gathering my papers. "We'll reconvene tomorrow at nine to discuss the new manufacturing partners I've selected."
I stood up, smoothed my skirt, and walked toward the door, feeling Thomas's glare burning into my back. I couldn't help the slight smile that curved my lips as I left. This was only the beginning.
As expected, heavy footsteps followed me into the hallway. I pressed the elevator button, not bothering to turn around even as Thomas's agitated breathing grew closer.
"Iris!" he barked. "We're not finished here!"
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and I stepped inside, finally turning to face him. Thomas lunged forward, jamming his hand between the closing doors, forcing them back open. He stepped inside, bringing with him the stale smell of cigarettes and expensive cologne that always made my nose wrinkle.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded as the doors closed, trapping us in the small space. "You've gone too far this time."
I leaned against the elevator wall, maintaining a calculated distance between us. "Have I? I thought I was rather restrained, considering the circumstances."
Thomas's face twisted with fury. "Don't you understand what you're doing? You've forgotten who you are, what our position is!" He lowered his voice to a harsh whisper. "The werewolf community has rules, Iris! You can't just waltz in and change everything!"
I couldn't help but laugh, which only infuriated him more. "Rules?" I repeated. "You mean the rules that benefit you and your cronies? Those rules?"
"You insolent little—" He cut himself off, taking a deep breath. "You have no idea what you're messing with. Your father understood how things worked."
"Did he?" I asked quietly, my amusement vanishing. "Is that why he's dead?"
Thomas froze, his eyes widening slightly. Sweat beaded on his upper lip despite the cool air in the elevator.
"It's time everyone knew I'm not some ignorant, helpless girl anymore," I said, my voice dropping lower. "Don't you think?"
"What are you implying?" Thomas's voice had lost its thunderous quality, now sounding strained.
I studied his face carefully, noting the way his pupils dilated with fear, the way sweat now visibly dampened his collar. "I think you know exactly what I'm implying," I said softly. "My father's death was very... convenient for certain people, wasn't it?"
Thomas's palms were visibly sweating now. "You're... you're talking nonsense," he stammered, but the confidence had drained from his voice.
"Am I?" I asked mildly. "I think my suspicions are right on target, judging by your reaction."
The elevator dinged again as we reached the ground floor. I straightened up, ready to leave, but Thomas seemed frozen in place, his face ashen.
The doors opened to the lobby, where Robert, the head of security, stood waiting. He nodded respectfully to me, then frowned at Thomas's disheveled appearance. I noticed Robert flinch slightly at the sound of the elevator's "ding."
I glanced at my watch. "I have another appointment. We'll continue this discussion another time, Uncle." I stepped out of the elevator, conscious of Thomas's shaky breathing behind me.
As I walked across the lobby toward the exit, I heard Thomas's footsteps quicken to catch up.
"You think you're so clever now," he called after me, his voice rising with each word. "But mark my words, the Stone family will be ruined in your hands!"
I paused at the door, turning to face him one last time. Several employees in the lobby had stopped to stare at the unfolding drama. I smiled, not bothering to lower my voice.
"No, Thomas. The Stone family is already in my hands." I pushed the door open and stepped into the sunlight, leaving him standing there, trembling with impotent rage.