The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 17

TABLES TURNED 

“Ms Stones, It's a surprise to see you here.” Lucas was first to speak.

She stopped at just an appropriate distance, looking Lucas Darwin deep into his eyes.

“What are you doing about the situation?” She asked.

Lucas took a step forward, imposing his dominating features on her. Lisa could feel his presence crushing her but she was too composed and couldn't afford to tremble.

Lucas admired it.

“I must say, Jamie has an eye for women–” he began still maintaining eye contact with Lisa.

He continued, “The chairman might not be able to attend a meeting he arranged. This is punishable by unanimously voting him out as chairman.” Lucas said, softening his aura to suit Lisa's presence.

“Does that mean we have a chance to make Manuel's life a terrible hell?” Lisa leaned forwards but when she noticed Lucas' dark gaze, she slowly returned back.

“Indeed! There's a chance to eliminate him once we are able to remove him from his current position.” Lucas assured, his face bright with over confidence.

Lisa turned her back towards Lucas, displaying her curves beautifully. Just enough to make any man lose his cool. Then she turned back sharply.

“What about the news of his father? Not even one reporter has talked about Dave's collapse and even his absence isn't causing any form of uproar in the country.” Concern was now written all over Lisa's face.

Lucas flashed a cocky smile to Lisa.

“Leave that to me. Now I understand why Jamie loves you.” 

Lisa felt flattered and her cheeks turned red into a blush. She was happy to receive admiration from a man as arrogant as Lucas Darwin. 

Despite his quiet nature, everyone in the hall could feel his presence. He commanded a kind of respect that could even depose presidents. His influence was one of the greatest in the country, second only to Nightingale.

Lucas looked at his wristwatch 

11:14 PM 

A smile crept into his face. Go time.

He walked back to the stage and tapped on the microphone. The microphone feedback got the attention of everyone. Lucas was about to make another speech.

“Good evening everyone.” The sound of his voice instantly brought silence into the hall.

“Unfortunately, the chairman would be unable to make it to tonight's program and because of this, a unanimous vote must be made.” Lucas announced.

Lisa adjusted from her position. Things were starting to fall in her favour. A smile crept into her face.

“Now let's see how you get out of this one, Manuel.” She smirked.

Lucas raised one hand, “I want you all to understand that this was only done as a measure and not out of self pleasure. If you concur with me that Manuel Keith, chairman of Nightingale Group of companies is not fit to lead us, please raise your hand.” 

There was silence.

Indeed they couldn't discern just yet if it was worth it and if Manuel wasn't fit to lead them since he just started and was bound to make many mistakes.

There was hesitation and silence.

Then from within the crowd, one hand was raised. Then another, and this continued until almost half of the congregation had their hands raised.

Lucas was pleased. 

“Now for the–”

The door slowly opened and a bunch of security personnel marched into the hall causing silent murmurs from the people.

“What's going on?” Lucas asked, slowly exiting the stage and walking towards the door.

“The chairman is here!” An announcer called loudly, alerting everyone.

Lisa's feet trembled beneath her. Now everyone's expectations were soon clouded by anxiety and uncertainty. Just as they were still murmuring within them, one man engaging another, Laura stepped into the hall.

Everywhere instantly became cold. 

Then Manuel walked in, one hand dipped into his pocket. His gaze met only Lucas who stood unfazed by Manuel's presence. 

Manuel stopped just a few inches away from him.

“Mr Darwin.” 

Lucas was evidently irritated. Never had he thought a lowlife who was once bullied by his own son would walk towards him and not only that, stand face to face with him.

“Mr Keith!” The words were like thorns in his mouth.

“I must thank you for standing in for me but I should ask, what are you doing within this premises?” Manuel's voice wasn't laced with malice, it was almost emotionless.

Lucas tried to hide his anger but he couldn't hide the veins on his forehead even with a big smile 

“I only came to–”

Before Lucas could complete his sentence, Manuel spoke, “If you have nothing meaningful to discuss with me, I'd suggest you leave with your pride to avoid embarrassment, Mr Darwin.”

Embarrassment hit Lucas like a huge boulder. He couldn't hold back his anger anymore so he pulled closer, showing the evident height difference between them.

Lucas was tall and huge and his whole physique overshadowed Manuel instantly.

“You're only the chairman of Nightingale because of the people backing you. What would you do when they're all gone?” Lucas' tone was silent but the message was well conveyed.

“Was that why you sent people to assassinate me?” 

The question threw Lucas off and he stepped back to get a better view of Manuel. 

“Young Man! Not only have you humiliated my family publicly, you are also trying to frame me for your attempted assassination?” Lucas frowned in denial but Manuel wasn't buying it.

“Ms Ivanovich!” He called. 

Then he returned his focus to Lucas, “I’ll overlook because of your status, don't ever show your face here.” 

Manuel didn't even wait for a reply before proceeding to the stage to address the people. Laura walked up to Lucas stretching her hand to gesture Lucas out of the hall. 

The moment Manuel mounted the stage, the first person his gaze caught was Lisa.

What was she doing here?

“Good evening everyone. First of all I apologize for making it to tonight's meeting late. I have no excuses to give and I will take full responsibility.”

“The meeting will begin shortly.” With that Manuel stepped down to approach Lisa.

“What are you doing here?” Manuel asked, stopping at an appropriate distance.

“I'm pretty sure you only banned the Darwins.” She said with slight confidence.

“Spare me the long talks. What do you really want?”