Chapter 153
Charles froze, his expression instantly darkening.
He hadn't expected Charlotte to be so sharp-tongued, turning his own words right back on him!
Of course, he would never admit to anything—that would be far too foolish.
So after narrowing his eyes slightly, he deflected with a cunning excuse.
"That's not what I meant at all! Of course, I trust whatever Victoria did."
"Besides, I only said that because I'm worried someone might try to use this as an opportunity to climb the social ladder."
"After all, the Langley family is one of Imperial City's most prestigious families with a century-long legacy. The wealth we possess is more than most people could earn in several lifetimes."
"What if someone had ulterior motives and used underhanded tactics during the verification process, or exploited loopholes in the procedure? Wouldn't that be the same as handing our family's assets over to outsiders?"
"As a member of the Langley family, naturally, I should be thorough about these things. Surely that's not a problem?"
As Charles spoke, his beady eyes locked onto Charlotte, practically writing the words "I think you're the one who tampered with everything" across his face.
He didn't care about the truth—he only wanted to smear Charlotte's name, planting seeds of doubt in everyone's minds.
Charlotte listened to his explanation and let out a cold laugh.
She had to admit, Charles had no other talents, but he was remarkably skilled at spouting nonsense.
"Underhanded tactics?"
Charlotte rolled those words around in her mouth, looking at the unreasonable man before her as her patience finally ran out.
She knew exactly what kind of person Charles was, and she didn't want to waste any more breath on him. She lifted her foot to step forward.
But the moment Charles saw her move, he leaped backward like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, terror flashing across his face.
He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but the spot where Charlotte had kicked him earlier seemed to throb with phantom pain.
"You... what are you trying to do?! Don't come any closer!"
Fear made Charles's voice shrill and grating.
"Everyone, look! She's about to hit me!"
"This is her true nature! She wants to solve every problem with violence!"
"I'm telling the truth—how can someone like this possibly manage a company?! If she leads this company, there's only one outcome: bankruptcy!"
He shouted while casting pleading looks at the executives in the distance, trying to paint Charlotte as violent and himself as the victim to win sympathy and support.
Whether his threats worked or not, Charlotte's footsteps did stop.
Seeing this, Charles's courage swelled a bit more, and he continued his bluster.
"Charlotte! I'm warning you!"
"As long as I'm here, I will never allow the company to fall into the hands of someone like you with such questionable origins!"
As his words fell, the atmosphere in the conference room completely froze.
The company executives looked between the arrogant Charles and the ice-cold Charlotte, exchanging uncertain glances.
At this point, they understood clearly—this was obviously a power struggle within a wealthy family.
But they didn't dare support either side, because once they chose a camp, whichever one they picked, they'd face retaliation from the other!
Just as the tension grew unbearable, the conference room door was pushed open from outside.
The man who entered wore a gray suit, his hair meticulously combed, appearing to be in his fifties. Though slender in build, his every gesture carried a steady, commanding presence.
Clearly, this person held considerable status.
After entering, he first swept his gaze over everyone, then walked directly toward Charles.
The moment Charles recognized the newcomer, all color drained from his face, leaving it deathly pale.
"...Zaid... Why are you here?"
This man called Zaid was Thomas's personal assistant, having served at his side for over thirty years. His position in the Langley family was extraordinarily high—all the younger generation treated him with the utmost respect and didn't dare show him any disrespect.
Zaid stared at Charles with an expression devoid of any emotion, completely businesslike.
"Mr. Charles Langley, Mr. Thomas Langley requests that you return immediately."
At those words, Charles's eyes widened suddenly, and his body began trembling uncontrollably.
"Uncle Thomas? Isn't he... recuperating at Rainbow Care Center? How could he..."
His voice grew softer and softer until it was barely audible.
Charles was now completely panicked.
Honestly, the only reason he'd dared to come to the company so brazenly to seize power was because he'd calculated that with Victoria missing and Thomas away recuperating due to health issues, there would be no one to suppress him.
But he hadn't expected Thomas to find out! And to send Zaid to fetch him!
The implications were self-evident!
"Mr. Thomas Langley's health does require proper rest, but with such a major incident occurring, even if he wanted to rest peacefully, he cannot." Zaid's expression remained indifferent. "So please, Mr. Charles Langley, come with me quickly. Don't keep Mr. Thomas Langley waiting."
Hearing this, Charles's heart sank with a heavy thud.
He knew his scheme had completely fallen apart!
Though unwilling to accept it, Charles didn't dare defy Thomas's wishes, so he could only nod.
"I... I understand."
With that, he turned to leave in disgrace.
As he passed Charlotte, his steps paused briefly, and he shot her a venomous glare.
"Charlotte, don't get too cocky! This isn't over!"
Charlotte didn't even spare him a glance at his threat, completely indifferent.
As everyone watched Charles flee like a defeated rooster, their expressions became somewhat peculiar.
The few executives who had previously echoed Charles now looked pale and sickly, their eyes darting away, not daring to meet Charlotte's gaze.
Charlotte lifted her chin slightly, taking in all their expressions.
Perhaps guilty consciences at work—quite a few of them instinctively lowered their heads when they made eye contact with Charlotte.
"It seems today's farce has finally come to an end."
Charlotte pressed her lips together, her voice not loud but carrying an undeniable authority.
"I'll say this one last time."
"First, my mother is only temporarily out of contact. I believe she'll return soon."
"And until she returns, I, Charlotte, will temporarily assume all her duties at the company and exercise all the powers of the chairwoman."
"Second, the Langley Group contains half a lifetime of my mother's effort. I will not allow anyone to use any excuse to undermine its stability to satisfy their own ambitions."
"Everyone here is a veteran and pillar of this company. I trust you can distinguish who truly has the company's best interests at heart."