Chapter 269 Two Choices

Chapter 269 Two Choices

As soon as she said this, everyone froze, and Jared looked completely stunned.

Cecilia continued, "The Hensley Group's biggest rival is the Chapman Group. I'm sure you're all aware of that."

Everyone nodded.

"I don't need to tell you what kind of person Rufus is. He's ruthless and vengeful. Stefan's current troubles? Rufus is behind all of it."

"You're members of the Hensley family, and you work for the Hensley Group. That means from the moment you sat down here, you've been on Rufus's opposing side."

"Even if you kick me out now and take over the Hensley Group, do you really think Rufus will just leave you alone?"

Cecilia let out a cold laugh.

"He'll just see you as a bunch of idiots who are easier to deal with, and then use the cruelest methods to devour you completely, bones and all."

"If you think you can handle Rufus's business attacks, then go ahead and take over the company right now."

"Just don't be surprised when all your efforts end up benefiting Rufus, and you lose everything."

These words seemed to drop the temperature in the conference room by several degrees.

The greed and excitement on everyone's faces were instantly replaced by fear and dread.

Right. How could they have forgotten about that lunatic Rufus?

If Stefan fell, how could they possibly be a match for Rufus?

"Or..." one shareholder thought for a moment, then said in a joking tone to test the waters, "we could... join Mr. Chapman. Smart people know when to adapt. Following Mr. Chapman has to be better than waiting here to die."

As soon as he said this, several people immediately perked up.

Cecilia looked at him, and instead of getting angry, she nodded seriously.

"Sure."

"I totally support you doing that."

She picked up the remote and turned on the conference room projector.

Information about a company appeared on the screen.

"Three years ago, someone inside Radiant Group joined Rufus. Rufus promised him ten percent of the shares if he acted as an insider."

"And what happened?"

Cecilia pressed the remote, and a news screenshot appeared on the screen.

[Radiant Group Chairman Zack sentenced to life imprisonment for illegal fundraising, tax evasion, and other crimes. Company declares bankruptcy.]

The group collapsed completely.

"That insider? Rufus did give him a large sum of money, and then immediately had him sent to prison on bribery charges. Ten years."

Cecilia pressed again, and another news item appeared on the screen.

[Former Radiant Group Vice President dies of sudden heart attack in prison.]

"That was his ending."

"And then there was Sky Tech from two years ago, Laurel Industries from last year..."

Cecilia went through the examples one by one.

The destruction of each company and the miserable fate of each traitor made the atmosphere in the conference room increasingly oppressive.

Those who had just been harboring fantasies now felt chills down their spines; everyone suddenly felt afraid for themselves.

Join Rufus?

That was suicide.

"So," Cecilia turned off the projector and looked around the room, speaking seriously, "right now, you have only two paths in front of you."

"First, follow me and protect the Hensley Group. When Stefan comes back, he'll remember everything you did today. Your positions and your interests will only be more secure than before."

"Second, walk out of this conference room right now, take whatever you can take, and pray that after Rufus destroys us, he won't come back to settle accounts with you."

"How you choose is up to you."

With that, she leaned back in her chair and said nothing more.

The conference room fell into a long silence.

No one spoke, only heavy breathing and the occasional sound of car horns from outside the window.

Those shareholders and relatives who had been so arrogant just moments ago now all had their heads down, their expressions constantly shifting, their eyes full of struggle and fear.

The future female lead's words were devastating.

She not only exposed their greed but also laid the harsh reality right in front of them.

Rufus was a huge threat to all of them.

Fight against Rufus? They didn't have the guts, let alone the ability.

Join Rufus? Those cautionary tales were still fresh in their minds, and they didn't want to follow in those footsteps.

When they weighed everything, it seemed only one path remained.

That was to follow her and protect the Hensley Group.

At least this way, they could keep their current interests and not end up with nothing.

After a long while, someone finally broke the silence.

It was Bentley, the one Cecilia had criticized earlier.

He shakily stood up and bowed deeply to Cecilia.

"Mrs. Hensley, I... I was wrong!" His voice was choked with tears. "I'm shameless! I've let down Mr. Hensley's trust! Don't worry, I'll make up that account tomorrow! Please... please give me another chance!"

Once the first person stepped forward, the others quickly followed.

"Mrs. Hensley, I was wrong too!"

"Mrs. Hensley, we'll all listen to you!"

"From today on, you're the backbone of our Hensley Group! Whatever you tell us to do, we'll do it!"

Suddenly, the conference room was filled with voices pledging loyalty.

Those who had just wanted to trample Cecilia underfoot now wished they could kneel down and kiss her shoes.

Jared sat in the main seat, watching this dramatic scene, his face like thunder.

He had lost.

Lost completely.

Not only had he failed to seize the chairman's seat, but he had also pushed himself into an extremely awkward situation.

Cecilia's gaze finally landed on him, with a half-smile.

"Jared, what about you? Which path do you choose?"

Jared's body stiffened, and fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

"I..." He forced out a sentence from his throat with difficulty. "I'll... listen to you too."

"Very good."

Cecilia stood up, walked in front of him, and looked down at him from above.

"Jared, since you also want to contribute to the company, that's perfect. Starting today, you'll go to Arcturus. Don't we have a mining project there that hasn't been making progress? You'll be in charge of following up on it. When the project makes substantial progress, that's when you can come back."

Go to Arcturus?

Jared's eyes instantly widened.

The environment there was terrible, and it was infested with mosquitoes. At his age, if he went there, could he even come back alive?

This was no different from exile.

"I won't go! I..." Jared wanted to refuse.

"Are you sure?" Cecilia just raised an eyebrow slightly.

Jared's remaining words were instantly stuck in his throat.

Looking into those cold eyes, he had no doubt that if he dared say no, he'd be kicked out the next second.

"I... I'll go..." Jared finally gave in, all the strength leaving his body as he slumped in his chair.

Cecilia smiled with satisfaction.

She wanted everyone to know the consequences of betrayal.