8 Chapter 16 He’s succeeded in irritating me

The conference has begun when I entered. Elthon caught my sight first and I was glad he made it here.

Finally after five years, all their distrust towards me were expressed. They ranted about my hard headedness. How I wasn't as level-headed as my father to even reject a few proposition that could positively boost the company. All of it boiled down to one implication: replace me from being the official CEO. The grave risk of angering the majority is the possibility of most stakeholder withdrawing their shares. But I wasn't that afraid since I know most these people are cowards avoiding lose-lose situations.

After all, Zel Cantheliz is still at the top in the market.

I scuffed at all the shits coming from their mouths.

"Rhio is legally eligible and according to the company's succession plan he is to replace the position his father vacated," Elthon spoke. "Has he not proven his worth in the past five years without his father? He has tripled the stock value of the company and increased the annual sales with his strategies."

"That is because both Niel and you were around. What if you weren't? This company will be doomed to bankruptcy. Rhio was just too stubborn to think straight without parental guidance," Chairman Do spat. I have always hated the guts of that old man.

I suddenly bit my lip. Since it has come to the mention of family, I couldn't hold the anger boiling inside me.

"I don't need people who doubt my abilities. Go pack your asses if you think I can't, this company can't, thrive without you. I am Rhio Zel Cantheliz! And as long as I rule, the Zel Cantheliz will not taste defeat."

I caught Deo giving me a quick triumphant smile. It wasn't like me to be provoked and suddenly brag but I had enough.

"What else is there to discuss?" I sat back.

The room was suddenly tensed and some mumbling erupted. But none of them dared to speak. Only the Chairman gabbled on.

"The biggest project that Zel Cantheliz worked on many years ago needed huge funding. Your father invested on it but it didn't meet his expectation of success. I'd just like to remind you that if it weren't for the financial backing made by my connections and by the cooperation of Do Conglomerate, Zel Cantheliz Corporation is licking salt by now," Chairman Do threatened.

So that's why he was so confident. The audacity!

"Touché. Should I say thank you then?" I replied back sarcastically.

"Your father was the guarantor of that loan worth billions! Although most of it has been paid off, there is still an outstanding balance for you to worry of. And according to our agreement, the moment he dies -which happened already- and I leave this company, the loan was required to be paid in full. You can't ditch it either since I know you value your reputation and the company's as well. What will the media say if that was to happen? It will be a very big controversy for you."

I gritted my teeth in anger.

"Your father had been so confident he'd live long to pay it off. Although you've made Zel Cantheliz stay on top, it's still just healing from the wounds of its past. Think well, Rhio."

He's succeeded in irritating me.