Deanna naturally cooperated with the police investigation and went to the station. She entrusted Lionel's situation to Julia and Brent. However, as soon as she entered the police station, news broke online accusing her of conducting illegal human experiments. The internet was in an uproar, with countless netizens condemning Deanna.
"Illegal human experiments? I thought that only happened on TV. I can't believe it's happening around us. This woman is too vicious!"
"The main question now is whether Deanna has been caught. What kind of illegal experiments did she conduct? Could they harm us?"
"This is a serious matter. We should demand a public trial from the authorities!"
Due to this incident, Mercer Group also got implicated, and its stock prices plummeted. The situation worsened when some radical netizens, incited by others, rushed to Mercer Group to cause trouble.
"The president of Mercer Group is aiding and abetting. We don't need such a garbage company in Cloudmere. Get out of Cloudmere!"
"Boycott Mercer Group."
"Get out of Cloudmere!"
A large crowd demonstrated outside Mercer Group's building. Old Mercer and Logan watched the scene from their office window, their expressions grim.
"Have you contacted Deanna?" Old Mercer asked Logan.
Logan nodded. "Yes, she told us not to worry. The news online is slander. According to Lance, this should be the work of those behind the scenes. She will clarify the matter later."
"Good. Then we'll wait. Instruct the security downstairs to guard the entrance and prevent anyone from breaking in. Also, tell our employees not to go outside," Old Mercer ordered.
But sometimes, plans can't keep up with changes. Old Mercer wanted to delay things until Deanna clarified the situation. However, some people couldn't wait.
Donald led other board members from the underground garage to the company and barged into the chairman's office.
"Old Mr. Mercer is here too. That's perfect; he can be a witness," Donald said.
"Donald, what are you doing, barging into my office with so many people?" Logan asked angrily.
Donald remained unfazed. "Mr. Mercer, don't be so angry. I'm doing this for the company's sake. Your daughter-in-law committed such a heinous act, and now people think your Mercer family is involved. If we let you continue managing the company, people won't be convinced. So I think it's best for you to step down before things get worse and affect the company's foundation."
"Step down? You clearly have ulterior motives!" Logan shouted, pointing at Donald in anger.
Donald remained calm. "Indeed, I have ulterior motives, but it's also an opportunity given by the chairman. Moreover, eighty percent of the board supports me becoming chairman. Historically, the board has always followed the majority rule, so there's no point in you insisting."
Logan trembled with rage at Donald's words.
Donald continued, seemingly unsatisfied with just provoking Logan. "Furthermore, the company has repeatedly faced issues because of your daughter-in-law. Lance, as the president, hasn't come forward to explain anything to us. The company isn't your family's playground; it's for making money, not for cleaning up your family's messes."
"Nonsense!" Logan shouted, his chest heaving with anger.
Old Mercer remained unusually calm.
"Mr. Joyner seems to know a lot about my family's affairs. This just happened, and we don't even know the details yet. But it seems Mr. Joyner already knows the inside story," he said coldly, looking at Donald.
Without waiting for a response, Old Mercer continued, "Donald, your Joyner family has never accepted my grandfather's decision to hand over the company's management to my father. Your grandfather often caused trouble for my father back then. Even after I took over, your father's resentment fell on you. But do you know why my grandfather didn't consider your great-grandfather?"
"Why?" Donald asked instinctively but immediately regretted it and glared angrily.
"These are old matters. What's important now is changing management to restore trust in Mercer Group," Donald said.
Old Mercer sneered. "Your family's schemes are truly inherited. Do you know why my grandfather didn't hand over the company to your family? Because your grandfather colluded with outsiders to seize power and nearly destroyed the company. Now you're walking the same path. With your family's intelligence and character, handing over the company to you would be its doom!"