Chapter 193 Self-Preservation is the Best Strategy
The moment Preston turned his attention directly to Leopold, Leopold remained unmoved in his seat, calmly accepting several unfriendly stares. In their eyes, Leopold didn't deserve to be here, much less to discuss matters with the board members.
Preston announced decisively, "After internal deliberation by the board, effective immediately, Leopold is promoted to Senior Partner of the group, participating in daily board meetings, holding decision-making power on major board issues, owning company shares, and establishing an independent team. The Senior Partner reports directly to the board—meaning he only needs to report to me, without going through layers of approval. Also, the hotels previously managed by Leopold will continue under his management. The handover starts immediately."
Gemma could barely contain her resentment, narrowing her eyes. Five hotels originally managed by Leopold had been handed over to her daughter and son-in-law, and now they had to give them back. Of course, she was upset.
When Preston mentioned the internal board deliberation, Wilder glanced at the two people beside him. Sterling and Atlas both shook their heads slightly, indicating they knew nothing about it.
Wilder realized this was Preston's unilateral decision. He was the first to stand up in opposition.
"Mr. Preston Wipere, you say this went through internal board deliberation—how come I don't know about it?"
Preston remained composed. "You, Mr. Guise, and Mr. Borgia have been absent from meetings due to health reasons. You're the ones who said to let us decide on issues. You can't go back on your word—there are meeting minutes, and you, Mr. Guise, and Mr. Borgia all signed them."
Preston placed a voting list on the table. No one could verify it on the spot, but since he dared to present it, he must have covered all his bases.
Wilder was speechless, the words stuck in his throat. He had indeed said that and signed those documents, but he couldn't just let Leopold join the board and become their equal.
Since this was a senior appointment, it required a vote with more than half the board members' approval. Since the three of them didn't know about it, and Xavier hadn't mentioned it either, this was clearly Preston's solo operation.
Wilder's son Beck had been fired from the company—why should Preston's son Leopold get to rise so smoothly?
Wilder said, "Mr. Guise, Mr. Borgia, and I missed the meeting due to illness, but the other board members should know about this." He asked directly, "Did Mr. Diaz know?"
Victor lifted his eyelids, his face showing no emotion. Wilder wondered—did Victor actually know?
After a two-second pause, Victor said, "Yes."
Victor's answer was within Wilder's expectations. Victor and Idris already supported Leopold. Wilder chose to ask these two first to establish that Preston had fabricated this.
Wilder asked Idris, "Mr. Richardson knew too?"
Idris nodded. "Yes."
Wilder looked at Gemma. She and Preston were married, so even if she had a hundred objections, she would support Preston at crucial moments. He asked perfunctorily, "Ms. Adams knew too?"
Gemma lowered her eyes. "Yes."
The last person Wilder needed to ask was the most critical.
"What about Mr. Anderson? Did you know?"
Xavier's pupils contracted. At Wilder's question, his throat involuntarily swallowed. He could feel Preston's terrifying gaze from the corner of his eye. If he said yes, Wilder would definitely curse him out after the meeting. But if he said no, Preston would make his life hell.
The atmosphere in the conference room grew tense and suffocating. Xavier raised his hand to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. He hadn't expected to become the final bullet fired at the opposition. Gritting his teeth under everyone's gaze, he said, "Yes."
Wilder's face immediately flushed red with anger, his nostrils flaring as he glared at Xavier. "Xavier, you're such a coward."
Everyone present knew the truth, but no one had evidence. Preston had the advantage in numbers, and Xavier was willing to risk being cursed out to support Preston.
This was the reality of absolute power—self-preservation was the best strategy.
Preston looked calmly at Wilder, his tone gentle. "Mr. Gonzaga, any other objections?"
No condescending mockery, just patient inquiry. At this moment, one was angry and out of control, the other calm and composed. Preston knew exactly how to deliver psychological blows. He could easily provoke you, and he knew when to offer a way out. But this way out wasn't always available—if you were smart, you'd take it quickly. If not, there were other ways to play.
Wilder's anger was hard to swallow, his lips pale and trembling. Given the current situation, he had no grounds to argue and could only back down.
He shook his head. "No."
Preston asked the other two board members, "Mr. Guise and Mr. Borgia? Any objections to this appointment?"
Sterling wouldn't be foolish enough to stick his neck out now. "I have no objections."
Atlas understood Preston. He wouldn't bring an issue to an irreversible point unless he had the advantage. Clearly, he now held overwhelming leverage.
Atlas wisely restrained himself. What he wanted was profit. Choosing to side with whoever could bring him profit was perfectly reasonable.
"I have no objections either."
Preston nodded slightly. "With all board members present today, Leopold's appointment will be announced to the entire group immediately after this meeting, and the news will be released publicly as well. Also, mainstream media will be coming to the group for interviews this afternoon. Leopold will represent me in accepting the interview."
Gemma couldn't stay calm at this news. Leopold accepting interviews on his behalf meant announcing to the public that Leopold would inherit the group. She turned and asked, "For such an important interview, won't it look like our group doesn't take it seriously if you don't participate?"
Preston gave her a cold glance and said, "Today is Saturday. After a day of public opinion and mainstream media involvement, investor and market confidence in the group will greatly improve. To put it bluntly, putting Leopold in the public eye is to save our stock market. If anyone else could save the stock market, we wouldn't have lost 75 billion dollars in market value without a solution."
Gemma was left speechless, her face alternating between red and white.
Preston looked at Leopold. "Say a few words."
Leopold nodded and briefly said a few polite words to the board members before ending. His energy wasn't focused on dealing with these people.
Leaving the conference room, Leopold ran into Victor and Idris in the hallway. It seemed they were waiting for him specifically.
Victor said, "Congratulations."
Idris also congratulated him. "Congratulations on your promotion. Looking forward to your future performance."
Leopold exchanged pleasantries. "Thank you, Mr. Diaz and Mr. Richardson."
Their support in the meeting came after Leopold had found them five minutes before the board meeting. Although they had different private motives, as long as they could help Leopold suppress Preston's momentum first, they were willing to play along.
Back in his office, Leopold's nameplate had already been changed, and the crystal desk plaque with his job title had been temporarily removed. It would probably soon be replaced with one reading "Senior Partner."
Before the interview, Leopold was called to Preston's office. Preston gave him a few instructions and then let him go.
Caroline didn't know Leopold was being interviewed at that moment. He hadn't come home for lunch. After finishing the housework and having some free time, she sent him a WhatsApp message.
Caroline: [Are you busy?]