The Mysterious Chairman Keith

Chapter 11

THE NEW LEADER OF THE NIGHTINGALE GROUP 

The hall fell silent with everyone calculating their next move. One wrong attempt and it was over. At the same time, it was difficult to discern if Manuel was really an important figure or he was just leeching as usual.

“I–I couldn't have guessed he was your guest!” Roddick stuttered, sweat had already begun to erupt from his forehead.

Laura approached Manuel, shifting her gaze away from Roddick. She didn't need to bow before him to convey the message. It was as though Manuel's aura and hers were intertwined and the sheer heat emanating from them bewildered Lisa.

Jamie was an unbeliever so he decided to test his luck, “That good for nothing has been causing a ruckus since he arrived here, from…”

Laura didn't let him finish

“One more word from you, Mr Darwin and I'll take alternative measures.” Her words were like cold steel, cutting through the whole hall, silencing Jamie before he could complete his sentence.

Lisa tugged his arm, pulling him backwards. He looked down at Lisa and she shook her head. Even if they could fight Manuel, as long as Laura Ivanovich had his back, they would only make things worse for their company's name.

“Don't!” Lisa's voice was low but Jamie could read her lips loud and clear.

“It seems to me, Mr Roddick, that you value your position quite lightly.” Laura spoke again.

Roddick had his gaze down, unable to raise his head to behold Laura but Laura had no use for him. She had come on the orders of Dave Keith, to avoid unnecessary casualties.

Just then, the doors swung open and security guards in black suits stormed in. Behind them was Dave. The arrival of Dave quickly changed the atmosphere of the meeting room.

Everyone in the hall quickly stood up to bow in Acknowledgement of his presence. Dave's walk to the podium was effortless as if letting his old age take the wheel.

As soon as Dave mounted the podium it was followed by a round of applause. He raised one arm just to his head's length signalling them to pause their applause and sit down.

“I believe Ms Ivanovich has put the misunderstanding to an end.” He began, his voice almost hoarse.

“Today is supposed to be a day of celebration after which I would personally announce the new chairman of nightingale.”

Dave ended his speech with a few words of encouragement to the board members and words of dominance towards his rivals.

When he got off the stage, he just walked to the VVIP section and took his seat. All the seats in this section were occupied by prominent businessmen except two– one being for the Darwins once the contract had been finalized and the second for the newly announced chairman.

Dave took a quick glance at his son who seemed to be more focused on something else. Revenge maybe. He didn't have an angry expression but his demeanor was cold.

When Laura saw he was now comfortable, she excused herself for a while. Lisa saw this as a perfect opportunity. While Jamie was busy with some of the business men who wanted to befriend him before he was made one of the top dogs, Lisa approached Manuel.

“You must feel fulfilled, seeing how your lapdog was quick enough to defend you.” She blurted. Manuel only spared her a glance before raising his head to look away.

She scoffed, feeling disrespected.

Yet, curiosity made her remain composed. “What's your affiliation with Nightingale Group of companies?”

That question returned Manuel's gaze back to Lisa and he paused, unsure of whether to spill the beans and make the gap between them known or to just keep tanking the insults until reality dealt them a heavy blow.

“I don't think we're close enough to discuss such matters.” Manuel replied with a nonchalant gesture.

“Don't make me laugh, Manuel. You and I know you'd come crawling back if I gave you a second chance.” Lisa let out a dry laugh.

Manuel was silent. He couldn't deny the love he had for her but right now, replying based on emotions wasn't the best call.

“You do know that the Darwins would become the second tier family after today. Who do you think he would come for first?” She reminded him but Manuel wasn't paying attention.

“Since you can't be reasoned with, I'll let you make the call.” With that she walked away.

Mostly, she felt humiliated. Manuel on every other day would do anything just to be in her presence but right now, he didn't even spare her a glance. It was almost as if he was looking down on her and it wounded her pride.

“What's the matter, Lisa?” Jamie asked, noticing the expression Lisa wore.

“If it's Manuel, I'm going to make his life a living hell after tonight, you don't have to worry yourself.” He placed his hand on her shoulder before pulling her into a hug.

The microphone feedback grabbed everyone's attention. It was time for Dave Keith to make the announcement everyone had been waiting for. His appearance on stage was followed by a thunderous applause which was later quelled by a single gesture.

“We've waited long enough for a day like this. First of all, I would like to apologize for keeping information about my heir a secret.”

He paused,

“In light of that, I would now announce him to the public. He speaks on behalf of the company, not just as the new chairman but as my son.”

“Please welcome on stage–”

The whole room was dead silent. Nothing moved, nothing spoke.

“Manuel Keith!”

There was a short pause, as if they were trying to process the information they'd just heard. Lisa's feet trembled beneath her. She could only stand upright thanks to Jamie's grip on her waist.

No, this couldn't be. Perhaps it was another Manuel, besides the last names were different.

The Manuel they knew was Reeves. So this could still be a misunderstanding.

Manuel's first step echoed through the room drawing everybody's attention towards him. Laura had returned from where she went and was behind him.

Without any ounce of emotion, Manuel walked heading towards the podium, his gaze locking with Dave's. At first everything felt new and awkward to Manuel, but now he was getting used to it.

His father lowered his head and handed the microphone to Manuel who received it with a low bow of his own. A mutual show of respect between father and son.

“Starting today, I will be the new chairman of Nightingale Group of companies.”

Then his gaze fell upon Jamie and Lisa who were now evidently trembling.

“With that said, I have an announcement to make–”