Chapter 585 End of Term
Ryan had been hiding out in Miles' bedroom. Even Michael probably never imagined that the brother he wanted to eliminate was so close by.
Ryan held the document in his hand, a smirk forming on his lips as he looked at the signature.
"Looks like my little brother realizes how dire the situation is, willing to sell at below market price."
He casually tossed the document onto the table.
Miles stood respectfully behind Ryan.
"Boss, the companies we control have all made contact with Michael. We should soon be able to acquire all his overseas shares."
Miles was excited, but Ryan waved him off.
"The closer we get to success, the more we need to stay calm. Falling at the finish line would be a tragedy."
Unlike Ryan's caution, Michael was relaxed as he got into the car after signing the agreement, even humming a tune.
Jerry, the driver, chuckled and teased, "Mr. Williams, you seem in a good mood. I thought selling the company so cheaply would upset you."
Michael smiled. "It's just money. I'll earn it back eventually. I'm happy because soon I'll be back home with Isabella."
Jerry nodded and smiled. "At this rate, we'll be back in a week."
Michael's gaze grew serious as he looked out the window. "If I remember correctly, Henry's term ends this week too."
Jerry nodded. "Yes, Mr. Williams."
"What do you think my brothers are up to now?" Michael murmured, as if asking Jerry or himself.
Jerry didn't answer, just drove quietly.
Michael closed his eyes, recalling what Isabella had told him.
'Darling, Charles told us that Owen plans to give the Taylor Family's interests to the other two families, but it seems he's eyeing another prize.'
A cold smile crept onto Michael's lips.
From a skyscraper window, Ryan watched Michael's car turn the corner and disappear. He pulled out his phone and called Scarlett.
When she answered, Ryan smiled faintly. "I've acquired another one of his assets. How about I propose to you with these?"
Scarlett's response was curt. "Drop dead, you ugly bastard."
She hung up. Ryan chuckled, tossing the crushed phone aside.
"Pathetic woman. I'll have you eventually."
A week passed.
During this time, Bianca had gone quiet, no longer mentioning Isabella or the bloodline. Her comment section remained closed.
With Bianca silent, people lost interest in her. Isabella enjoyed a peaceful week. The employees seemed to forget the online rumors, and life returned to normal.
But Isabella and the other executives knew this was just the calm before the storm. Today was the day Henry Phillips would step down.
On TV, Henry announced his resignation to the media, ending his speech with a promise to return.
The internet buzzed with debates about the new presidential candidates. Henry had once held a strong lead, but his support waned after the virus outbreak orchestrated by Manuel. Jeremy's side found a cure, boosting his popularity.
Owen's public support for Henry evened the playing field.
Online discussions about the presidency were heated.
[I think Henry will stay president! He did a good job.]
[Are you crazy? How many died under his watch? How many wars? How many countries cut ties with us? We're becoming global pariahs.]
[I agree, Henry was terrible. Jeremy's policies are more impactful. We should control our industries, not outsource them. These capitalists never care about the common people.]
[No, Henry showed us national pride. At least abroad, my citizenship commands respect.]
[Yeah, nobody wants to poke a rabid dog that bites everyone.]
[Shouldn't we wait to see where the four families stand? The other three haven't chosen a side yet.]
The conversation shifted to the four families. Owen had declared support for Henry, but the others remained silent.
Bold netizens flooded the families' business accounts with questions about their presidential support and Owen's stance.
The other three families stayed quiet, but the Williams Family soon responded.
[We have two announcements. First, we will continue to support Henry for president. Second, we have discovered serious tax issues with Isabella's company and will cease all cooperation.]
The Williams Family's statement caused a huge stir online.
People were shocked, given the close relationship between the Taylor and Williams families, especially between Mason and Isabella. What did this mean? A rift between the families?
Isabella's company quickly responded.
[We do not believe Henry is fit to continue as president. We support Jeremy. Our company has no tax issues and we reject baseless accusations. Owen, if you have no evidence, see you in court.]