The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Scarlett had been part of the wealthy Smith family for years, but she still couldn't shake off her country ways.

After spending some time abroad, she'd picked up some pretty aggressive habits.

Ignoring the stares from everyone around, she shoved aside Faye's secretary, who had come from afar, and then stood with her hands on her hips, barking orders and cursing loudly, clearly trying to stand up for Veda.

"Faye's 20% shares were originally given by my husband. She should be grateful, but now she dares to dispose of them as she pleases. Does she think I don't exist? How can she just give them all to Michael? What about Veda?"

The situation was clearly unfavorable for Veda, and more importantly, for Scarlett herself.

When Michael had control of Smith Corporation, all the shares Scarlett held were taken away.

Now, she had no leverage at all.

Scarlett knew she had to keep a tight grip on Veda's shares. Veda only had 20%, which was already a huge gap compared to Michael.

And now, Faye had given another 20% to Michael.

Michael must now control more than half of Smith Corporation.

Scarlett was anxious, her eyes scanning the room. She forced a cold smile and then turned to the secretary. "We don't recognize this agreement!"

The shareholders present understood the stakes involved.

They all kept their heads down, not wanting to get caught up in this family feud.

They were here to find out if the rumors about Michael were true and if Smith Corporation's stock would recover. After all, their annual dividends from Smith Corporation were substantial.

No one wanted to give up this golden goose unless absolutely necessary.

But even the smart ones could see Scarlett's bias.

They were all family, so what difference did it make who got the shares? Faye had done everything properly, while Scarlett, with no shares to her name, was here making accusations.

How greedy.

"Mrs. Smith, don't forget, the distribution of shares is decided by the board of directors."

Faye's secretary wasn't one to be pushed around.

He directly presented the key point. "Ms. Faye Smith and Mr. Michael Smith are the decision-makers on the board. As far as I know, you don't even have any shares. So what right do you have to interfere with Ms. Faye Smith's decisions?

"Do you think I don't have enough say as an employee, and you'd rather go straight to Ms. Faye Smith to get an explanation?"

"You!" Scarlett's face darkened with rage.

She wanted to retort but was at a loss for words because she had no shares.

"You know you're just an employee. How dare you speak to my mother like that! Get out!" Veda couldn't help but defend Scarlett.

With Michael absent, she was the most authoritative person in Smith Corporation. No one dared to disobey her orders.

Faye's secretary knew better than to argue with Veda, so he bowed his head and stepped back.

He knew the authorization letter held more power than he did, and that was enough.

The room fell silent for a moment. As Faye's secretary left, everyone began whispering among themselves.

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Their voices were low, but Scarlett and Veda could still catch bits and pieces.

"Looks like Scarlett doesn't want Michael to have too many shares."

"It's rare to see someone favoring their daughter over their son."

"Exactly. It's not favoritism; it's that daughters are easier to control. We all know what Scarlett's thinking, but we just don't want to say it out loud."

Scarlett was fuming.

She suppressed her anger, coldly scanning the room, calculating how to turn the situation around.

Meanwhile, one of the shareholders spoke up. "Ms. Veda Smith, where is Mr. Michael Smith? The online rumors are spreading, and reporters are blocking the entrance."

"Yeah, the Smith Corporation can't be left in this state. What are we going to do?" Everyone chimed in.

Seeing someone speak up, Veda didn't know how to respond. She had to force herself

to answer.

"We're handling it. Michael, he..."

As expected, when Veda couldn't give a clear answer, the others lost patience.

They ignored her status and continued.

"Ms. Veda Smith, the company needs action, not empty words. If you can't handle it, maybe you should step down and let Mr. Michael Smith return, or bring Mason back to the company?"

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"Someone has to take charge of Smith Corporation."

"We can't be left without leadership. Our investments can't just go down the drain with your family. Are we supposed to wait until the company goes bankrupt and you pay us back bit by bit?"

The woman who had been speaking shifted in her seat.

Veda recognized her as the daughter of a well-known businessman in Emerald City, whose mineral water business covered the entire country.

Though slightly less influential than Smith Corporation, she was still someone Veda couldn't afford to offend.

So, Veda had to keep listening.

"You might have time to waste, but we don't. We're all in business. No one wants unnecessary trouble. I think you should hurry up and bring Mr. Smith back!"

The woman made her point clear, glaring at Scarlett. "Even if you bring your mother here, she can't handle this. We don't have time to play house with you. Don't you agree?"

The woman's words were sharp.

Veda could take it, but Scarlett couldn't.

She was livid, trembling with anger, but with so many people around, she had to grit her teeth and stay calm.

"Everyone, my daughter is a Smith. And let's not forget, I was married into the Smith family. What is this attitude? Are you looking down on us?

"Veda is the vice president of Smith Corporation. With Michael gone, she has the authority to run the company!"

Authority?noveldrama

Hearing this, the shareholders laughed even more, finding it amusing.