Chapter 14
Chapter 14
e
The board meeting of Titan Group was heated and filled with tension.
Though three years had passed since Andrian Velor assumed the role of CEO of Titan Group, succeeding his father, Lucian Velor, his achievements still hadn’t gained full recognition from the board of directors. In those three years, Andrian had managed to steer the company out of a financial crisis that had nearly brought it to collapse.
Yet, despite his success, the board–especially the elder members who were relatives from his father’s and stepmother’s sides— remained skeptical of his position.
The issue discussed today should have been insignificant, but the board seized every opportunity to criticize Andrian.
Sitting at the end of the long table, Andrian Velor was surrounded by questions, criticisms, and thinly veiled jabs from the board members.
Today, their focus of attack was on a trivial matter that should not have warranted serious discussion. Leonard Whitmore, one of the senior board members, started by questioning the budget allocated for decorating the new Titan Group branch office in a major city.
“Mr. Velor,” Leonard said, his tone laced with subtle criticism, “why is the company spending so much on office decoration? Is that really necessary? Wouldn’t it be better to allocate that money toward something more important?”
Andrian looked at Leonard without betraying any emotion. “Office interiors are not just about aesthetics, Mr. Whitmore. A comfortable work environment enhances employee productivity and morale. This budget has been carefully considered and will yield long–term benefits for the company.”
Leonard scoffed softly, as if the answer did not satisfy him. “Still, I believe this expenditure is unnecessary. We should be focusing on investments that yield direct profits.”
Andrian remained calm, even though he knew Leonard’s argument was just an excuse to undermine him. It was always the same pattern–highlighting minor issues to try to discredit him in front of the other board members.
However, the discussion about office decorations was just the beginning. When Andrian began presenting Titan Group’s new project—a sustainable infrastructure project designed to disrupt the global market–the attacks intensified.
Victor Grantham, a board member known for his cautious nature, raised his hand to speak. “Mr. Velor, this project is ambitious, but have you considered the challenges we might face? Securing permits for a project of this scale is no easy feat. Not to mention, Zavier Corporation may not support it. You know how much their influence affects public trust in us.”
Andrian looked at Victor with a cold gaze. He knew there was truth in the man’s words. While Zavier Corporation was currently struggling, they were still a crucial partner for Titan Group, especially in maintaining the company’s reputation in the public eye. If they withdrew their support, it could spell trouble.
But Andrian: did not show any hesitation.
“This project is a vital step to ensure Titan Group remains relevant in the global market,” Andrian said firmly. “If Zavier Corporation doesn’t support it, we will find other partners. I will not let fear hold us back.”
Victor squinted, clearly dissatisfied. “But, Mr. Velor, decisions like this don’t just affect you. They impact the entire company. If this project fails, the repercussions will be enormous.”
Before Andrian could respond, another voice interjected. Charlotte Delacroix, the elder sister of Lucian Velor’s first wife, Eleanor, spoke with a sharper tone.
“Then, I suppose we all know why Mr. Velor is so insistent on this project,” Charlotte said with a cold smile. “Isn’t that why you married the Zavier family’s daughter? To secure their support for your grand ambitions?”
Andrian glared sharply at Charlotte but chose not to interrupt her. He knew she was always looking for an opportunity to undermine him, and today was no exception.
Charlotte continued with a more cutting tone. “If that’s true, it’s quite cunning. But not surprising. You’re merely following in your mother’s footsteps, aren’t you? Taking something that doesn’t belong to her. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”
The room fell silent. Some board members exchanged glances, while others remained still, unwilling to get involved.
Andrian clenched his fists under the table, suppressing his anger. Charlotte’s remarks went beyond criticizing his decisions–she had insulted the memory of his late mother. However, Andrian maintained his composure.
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“You are mistaken, Mrs. Delacroix,” Andrian replied, his tone calm yet firm. “Business matters should not be conflated with family issues. Whatever happened in the past has no bearing on the decisions I make for this company.”
Charlotte scoffed, but before she could say more, Andrian continued with a sharper edge in his voice.
“I married Aliana at the request of my late father, not for business. However, if you continue to blur the lines between unrelated matters, perhaps you should reconsider your position on this board.”
His statement left Charlotte momentarily speechless, though her face turned red with fury. Some of the other board members looked surprised, but none dared to directly oppose Andrian.
Andrian swept his gaze around the table, locking eyes with each member. “My decision regarding this project is final. Titan Group will proceed, with or without Zavier Corporation’s support. I will not let fear stop us from reaching our full potential.”
With his declaration complete, Andrian stood, signaling the end of the meeting. The board members began to rise one by one, some whispering among themselves while others remained silent, their expressions reflecting discontent.
Andrian walked out of the meeting room with purposeful strides, though inside he felt drained–both mentally and physically.
For the past three years, he had fought tirelessly to prove his capabilities, yet the board–particularly those who disliked him–refused to acknowledge his accomplishments.
‘How can they continue to fixate on trivial matters when I’ve proven my success time and time again?‘ Andrian thought as he made his way toward his office.
Victor, who was waiting outside the boardroom, approached him with the next appointment schedule. “Mr. Velor, you have a meeting with the investors at seven.”
Andrian gave a small nod in response, his face impassive. “Prepare everything,” he ordered curtly before stepping into his office.
Once the door closed, Andrian stood in the middle of the room, taking a deep breath. He knew this was just one of many battles he would have to face, but he was determined not to back down. Titan Group was his, and he would ensure that no one could bring him down.
It was nearing midnight. In the small pavilion where she resided, Aliana was still awake. She sat calmly on the sofa, though the clock on the wall showed it was already late.
Aliana showed no sign of fatigue. Her face remained composed, even as her mind buzzed with speculation about the meeting Andrian had attended earlier.
From the information Rafe had provided earlier, Aliana already knew that today Andrian had met with the board of directors to present Titan Group’s major project. The project was crucial for Andrian and one of the primary reasons he was so determined to maintain his position as CEO.
However, Aliana also knew that the meeting would not have gone smoothly. The directors, particularly the older relatives from his stepmother’s side, would undoubtedly have criticized Andrian harshly.
That afternoon, during her brief meeting with Andrian, Aliana had intentionally brought up her offer to hand over Zavier Corporation —not because she truly intended to give away her family’s company for free, but to gauge Andrian’s reaction.
By understanding just how much Andrian wanted the project, Aliana could plan her next move.
Seated with her phone, she re–read the report Rafe had sent about Titan Group and its internal dynamics. In the stillness of the night, the sound of hurried footsteps approaching the pavilion’s living room broke the silence. Aliana turned her head to see Elena entering with a worried expression.
“Miss Aliana,” Elena called out, her voice tinged with unease.
“What is it?” Aliana asked, her gaze calm. “Has Andrían returned?”
Elena stopped in front of Aliana, taking a moment to catch her breath before replying. She had been tasked by Aliana to keep an eye on the main mansion for any updates on Andrian’s return.
“Mr. Andrian just got back,” Elena informed her.
Aliana gave a faint smile, as though it was exactly what she had expected.
“Good. I’m certain he’ll come here,” Aliana said confidently.
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She was sure that after the immense pressure from the directors, Andrian would consider her offer.
If Andrian agreed, it wouldn’t just be a swift way to rescue Zavier Corporation from its crisis; it would also draw him into a larger agreement–one that would grant Aliana direct access to the information she needed to uncover the truth behind Alicia’s death.
However, Elena looked hesitant. She glanced at Aliana nervously before speaking again. “But, Miss…. there’s something you need to
know.”
Aliana frowned slightly. “What is it?”
“Mr. Andrian… he came back drunk,” Elena said, trying to maintain a neutral tone.
“Drunk?” Aliana’s frown deepened.
Elena nodded, her expression certain. “Yes, Miss. I saw Victor helping him out of the car. He could barely walk straight.”
Aliana paused, digesting the information. She knew Andrian was someone who cared deeply about his image, and drunkenness was not something she associated with him—at least not based on what she had seen so far.
Elena continued, her voice more assured. “I also saw Miss Bianca greet Mr. Andrian at the mansion… He immediately hugged her, and they seemed… very close. He didn’t let go of her.”
Upon hearing this, Aliana felt a sudden surge of disgust. She exhaled deeply, attempting to calm her thoughts.
“So, he’s drunk and being affectionate with Bianca,” Aliana muttered to herself, almost as if speaking to no one. “How pathetic.”
Elena, hearing this, hesitated before asking tentatively, “Are you all right, Miss?”
Aliana turned her gaze to Elena, her expression cold but not angry. “I’m fine, Elena. I w
“Misjudged?” Elena furrowed her brow, not entirely grasping Aliana’s meaning.
simply misjudged hi
him.”
=
“I thought Andrian was stronger than this,” Aliana replied flatly. “I assumed he was resilient enough to face pressure without resorting to alcohol as an escape. But it seems I was wrong. He’s just a coward, running from problems into the arms of alcohol and a woman when under stress.”
Elena remained silent, unable to refute her employer’s words.
Aliana rose from the sofa and walked toward the large window overlooking the dark garden outside. Her hand touched the cold glass as her eyes rested on the grand but uninviting main mansion in the distance.
“Andrian can’t even maintain his dignity,” Aliana murmured softly, her tone lower this time.
Elena stood behind her, unsure whether to interrupt her thoughts. But after a moment, she spoke again. “Should we still wait for Mr. Andrian to come here, Miss?”
Aliana turned, her gaze unreadable as she looked at Elena.
“No need. Let him enjoy his night with Bianca. Tomorrow is a new day, and I’ll make sure he can’t avoid me.”
Elena hesitated before asking, “Do you still plan to make a deal with Mr. Andrian?”
Aliana gave a faint smile, one devoid of joy. “Of course. The deal is still crucial to my plans. But that doesn’t mean I need to respect him as a man. He’s merely a tool to achieve my goals. Nothing more.”
Elena nodded, though worry lingered in her heart. She didn’t fully understand Aliana’s plans, but she knew her employer wouldn’t act without careful calculation.
“Now, go rest, Aliana ordered. “I’ll rest as well.”
Elena gave a slight bow as a sign of respect before leaving the room.
Once alone, Aliana gazed back at the main mansion in the distance. In her heart, she felt a mix of disgust and anger–disgusted by Andrian, a man she thought was strong and composed, but who turned out to be weak; angry at herself for expecting too much from
him.
But Aliana quickly set aside her emotions. “I don’t need your respect or loyalty, Andrian,” she muttered softly. “All I need is the deal.”
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With that thought in mind, Aliana walked slowly toward her bedroom. She knew tonight was just a small part of the larger game she was playing. Tomorrow, Aliana would make sure that Andrian either accepted her offer or continued to resist.
B
