Rags To Riches: The Rise Of Mr. Nobody.

Chapter 9: Protections.

"The door is open. The CFO will ensure your percentage is returned to you!”

Everyone's eyes widened. A collective gasp filled the massive boardroom, the sudden tension turning the air cold. To Jayden's right, Mr. Rodriguez turned to him, completely stunned by the audacity of the young man standing beside him.

“You heard me right,” Jayden continued, his voice dropping into a bold and cold tone that surprised even himself. “It would be a shame to our business if we listened to the complaints of important investors like you and didn't put them into action. If you know you are not satisfied with this arrangement, feel free to leave. We won't owe you a single percent.”

The room fell into a dead, suffocating silence.

Jayden’s gaze swept slowly around the mahogany table, locked onto the man who had been shouting the loudest, and pointed a finger. “Mr. Brooks, what percentage do you hold in this company?”

The older man stood up quietly, his previous arrogance completely vanishing. He cleared his throat nervously. “Two... two percent.”

Jayden kept his finger leveled, turning his attention to the others against the arrangement, demanding their numbers one by one. Once he had the tally, he leaned forward against the table.

“After this meeting, your accounts will be credited in full. Now, is there anyone else willing to leave?” he asked, challenging the room.

No one moved. No one dared to breathe.

“Erm... no. I'll never oppose the Chairman's decision. He knows best,” a shareholder who hadn't spoken a word all afternoon quickly chimed in, nodding frantically. Around the table, others quickly followed suit, nodding.

“Mr. Hart, please... we didn't mean it that way,” Mr. Brooks stammered, raising his hands defensively. “We were just voicing our thoughts. We were... paranoid. The market is volatile, you must understand.”

Jayden stared at them for a long moment, letting the silence stretch until Mr. Brooks began to sweat. Finally, Jayden let out a controlled sigh.

“I understand you all,” Jayden said, softening his tone just enough to give them a lifeline. “But all I need is a chance to gain your trust, and I promise you won't regret this decision. I will do whatever it takes, and I promise not to fail you.”

An elderly board member at the back nodded slowly. “I hope you keep to your promise, young man. I am certain the Chairman saw great potential in you.”

Jayden offered a tight nod. “If that is the case, the meeting will be dismissed.”

Without waiting for their response, he turned on his heel and walked out of the boardroom, his long strides carrying him past the walls with Mr. Rodriguez trailing closely behind him.

***

The moment the heavy executive doors clicked shut behind them, Jayden's mouth curved into a wide 'O' as he let out a massive exhale of relief, his shoulders finally dropping.

“You did exceptionally well, Mr. Hart,” Rodriguez beamed, his eyes sparkling with genuine pride. “The Chairman is going to be so proud of you.”

“Thank you,” Jayden breathed, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. “I think I managed to put them in their place.”

Rodriguez’s expression turned serious, his voice dropping as they walked toward the private elevators. “For your first appearance, you kept them grounded, yes. But you must know that a few of the major shareholders were not present today. When those specific members show up, they will test your patience far more than Brooks did. They will try to manipulate your intelligence.”

Jayden squinted, the words sounding like they were being rearranged in reverse in his head. “W-what do you mean?”

“The Chairman’s stepbrother and his core allies did not attend today,” Rodriguez explained quietly. “I am certain they sent Mr. Brooks and the others ahead just to test the waters, to see what kind of man you are. It’s also why I purposely didn't introduce you as the Chairman's grandson yet. We still need to map out exactly who is truly on the Chairman's side.”

A cold dread settled into Jayden's stomach. This corporate world wasn't just a business; it was a war zone.

'What the hell have I really put myself into?' he thought desperately.

“Are they really that tough?” Jayden asked.

Mr. Rodriguez chuckled, a dark, knowing sound as the elevator chimed. “Mr. Hart, I'd like us to visit the place I mentioned earlier. It’s time.”

Jayden stared blankly for a second, overwhelmed, before nodding numbly. “Let's go.”