Chapter 270

Chapter 270
Alia POV

A deep voice came from the doorway of the conference room. Everyone turned to look and saw Marco appearing at the entrance, wearing a white shirt and black trousers, tall and straight, looking spirited and energetic.

"Mr. Vittorio..."

Many people let out gasps of amazement, and everyone stood up simultaneously, their gazes fixed on Marco as if transfixed.

Many couldn't believe, didn't want to believe that Marco, who was supposedly on death's door, had appeared here looking perfectly fine.

He looked full of energy, not at all like someone critically ill.

However, Marco's gaze was only on me. He had actually been standing at the doorway for a while, watching me confront Andre with composure.

I remained calm and collected, and every word I spoke was flawless.

He had never known that I could shine so brilliantly, with a natural aura so bright it was impossible to look away.

Similarly, my gaze was also on Marco, but I hardly dared believe it - I thought it might be a hallucination.

I fantasized that whenever I encountered difficulties, Marco would always appear by my side so timely, pulling me back from despair.

Marco gazed at me and, under everyone's watchful eyes, walked toward me with elegant steps.

Marco's gait looked the same as usual, at least in many people's eyes it was the same as always, but I could tell - his steps were just a little bit stiff.

Yes, stiff.

The poison in his system definitely hadn't been completely neutralized yet. He was forcing himself to appear strong, not letting others see.

I suddenly felt heartbroken, tears welling up in my eyes.

When facing Andre and numerous shareholders, I hadn't retreated, hadn't been afraid, and hadn't even thought of crying.

But facing Marco, who was clearly forcing himself to stay strong, thinking of how he was obviously poisoned and in poor health, yet because he didn't want to see me face attacks alone, he dragged his weakened body here.

I pressed my lips together, using great effort to suppress my worry for Marco without a trace. When he reached my side, regardless of others' gazes, I reached out to embrace his waist, hoping to give him some strength.

"I'm fine." Marco stood beside me, giving me a reassuring smile, then slowly looked toward the other people in the conference room.

Wherever his sharp gaze fell, those he looked at silently lowered their heads.

"Marco, you... it's good that you're alright." Andre smiled and continued, "Since you're fine, let's participate in today's meeting together. Let everyone voice their opinions."

"Before everyone has something to say, I also have something to say to everyone." Marco looked at Andre, then took a document from Cheng Xuyang's hands. "All my Black Eagle shares have been transferred to Alia. From today on, she is Black Eagle's largest shareholder, and I'm just someone working for her."

"Marco, you've lost your mind!" Andre roared angrily, "Black Eagle was built through the hard work of countless elders. How can you just give it away as you please!"

"Because I want to!" For the first time, and the only time, Marco spoke to the elders of the Vittorio family and Black Eagle's major shareholders in such a willful tone.

As soon as Marco said this, everyone's gazes turned to me again, but this time, unlike the earlier surprise, most were filled with dissatisfaction.

Under everyone's dissatisfied gazes, Marco spoke again: "Giulio, distribute this document - one copy per person. From now on, I'd like to see who dares say Alia isn't qualified to attend board meetings."

"Marco, you, you—" Andre clutched his chest, unable to finish his sentence before falling backward, nearly fainting.

"Young master, Black Eagle was founded through Andre's hard work. How can you do this?" Leo immediately supported Andre while speaking.

Marco ignored Leo and continued: "Giulio, ask the directors, ask everyone if they have any other opinions, if they still want to vote for a new leader."

"Marco, since you're fine, naturally Black Eagle should be your responsibility. No matter whose hands Black Eagle is placed in, none would make everyone as confident as placing it in yours. Everyone agrees, right?" The person who had first stood up to speak for Andre now stood up to speak again.

Another person continued: "Everyone has witnessed Marco's management of Black Eagle these past ten-plus years. Which year haven't the profits of Black Eagle and its subsidiaries multiplied? Apart from him, probably no one else could achieve such results."

Once Marco arrived, those people Andre had bought off all switched sides. Everyone was smart - they knew very well who to follow for the best benefits.

Andre was so angry he wanted to speak but couldn't, only able to clutch his chest and glare fiercely at those who had switched sides.

Marco continued: "Giulio, have the secretary prepare. Tonight I'm treating everyone - let all the shareholders eat and drink well before returning."

A shareholder representative politely said: "Mr. Vittorio, no need to trouble yourself."

Marco said: "You've all traveled from around the world to Portano - you've worked hard! It's only right that I treat everyone to a meal."

Marco's tone when inviting people to dinner was quite forceful - when he said he was treating, he was treating, and you couldn't refuse. Everyone felt somewhat uneasy.

Was Marco not going to hold grudges against them? Or was he planning to settle scores later?

They had no idea.

Each shareholder had one mindset when arriving and another when leaving.

Only after everyone had left did Marco slowly sit down.

"Marco—" I looked at him with concern, wanting to say so much but not knowing what to say.

Marco patted my hand comfortingly: "Sit with me for a while."

"Mm." I obediently sat beside him, docile as a little lamb, showing none of the spirit I'd displayed when confronting Andre.

Andre patted his chest, caught his breath, and said: "Marco, there are no outsiders here now. Tell me, what exactly are you trying to do?"

Marco laughed coldly: "Andre, shouldn't I be asking you what exactly you're trying to do?"

Andre angrily said: "Black Eagle belongs to the Vittorio family. How can you hand it over to a woman of unknown origins?"

"She's my wife, Julia's mother. How is her origin unknown?" Marco snorted coldly and continued, "Besides, what I transferred to her are my shares. As for yours, my parents', Sabrina's - those are still under your names."

Andre: "You, you..."

Marco ignored him and looked at Giulio: "Giulio, tell your subordinates to be more alert. How many times do I need to say it - Andre is old and shouldn't be moving around everywhere. If something like today happens again, handle it yourself."

"Yes, Mr. Vittorio." Giulio nodded, then looked at Andre. "Andre, Black Eagle's air conditioning is too cold. Staying too long can cause colds. Let me escort you back."