CHAPTER 2176: THE CALL FROM BENJAMIN
Despite being in Aurous Hill, Charlie could still receive calls from Benjamin. Coincidentally, the plane was already landing near the Walker Group headquarters.
Charlie heard the phone ringing in Kazusaki first's pocket. He took it out and saw the name "Benjamin" displayed on the screen.
The Japanese often use Chinese characters for names, so they also use Chinese characters to record the names of Chinese people.
Seeing that it was Benjamin calling, Charlie immediately said to Kazusaki first, "If you want to live, listen carefully. Otherwise, I'll send you to a dog farm today and chop you up to feed the dogs. Do you understand?"
Kazusaki first nodded repeatedly, pleading with his eyes, "As long as you spare my life, I'll do whatever you ask, no questions asked."
Charlie coldly instructed, "Answer Benjamin's call. If he asks about your recent situation, tell him everything is fine, and make sure he knows you're still in Japan."
Kazusaki first nodded like a bobblehead.
Seeing this, Charlie knew he wouldn't dare lie. He handed the phone to him and ordered, "Answer it now!"
Kazusaki first didn't dare delay. He took the phone and immediately pressed the answer button.
As soon as the call connected, Benjamin's relieved voice came through, "Ah, Mr. Hashimoto, what have you been busy with? Why didn't you answer the phone for so long?"
Kazusaki first, following Charlie's instructions, replied, "I was in a meeting. I just stepped out to take your call. What do you need?"
Benjamin chuckled, "Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to ask about the situation in Japan. Any news on Sarah? Is the Japanese Metropolitan Police Department still searching for her?"
Kazusaki first responded, "There's still no news about Sarah. Given how much effort we put into eliminating her, she's most likely dead by now. The Japanese police are starting to scale back their search efforts. I think this matter will soon be forgotten, so you don't need to worry."
Benjamin felt reassured by these words and laughed, "Mr. Hashimoto, you’re as reliable as ever! As long as Sarah is dead, we have nothing to fear!"
He continued, "By the way, Mr. Hashimoto, I'm about to hold a press conference to officially announce my takeover as chairman of the Walker Group. Once I'm officially the chairman, our collaboration can proceed at full speed!"
Kazusaki first replied, "That's great news. I've already informed our board. Once you officially take over, we can meet and discuss our future cooperation."
Benjamin, excited, said, "Excellent, Mr. Hashimoto!"
He added, "Sorry, Mr. Hashimoto, the press conference is about to start. I'll speak with you again on the day we sign the contract to thank you personally!"
Kazusaki first smoothly replied, "No need for formalities, Mr. Walker. Take care of your business, and we'll discuss the rest in person."
"Good!"
Benjamin hung up the phone, unable to hide his excitement. He turned to Ryan and exclaimed, "Hashimoto said the Japanese police are about to pull back. It seems they've found no leads."
Ryan, equally thrilled, said, "That's fantastic! If they stop searching, it's as good as a done deal!"
Benjamin laughed heartily, stood up, and waved his hand energetically, "Let's go downstairs and start the press conference! Once it begins, I'll be the chairman of the Walker Group!"
CHAPTER 2177: MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT FROM WALKER GROUP
10:55 AM.
Suddenly, the stock of Walker Group was suspended.
Suspending a stock means halting its trading. From this moment, Walker Group's stock is frozen—it won't rise or fall until trading resumes.
To apply for a suspension from the securities regulatory commission, there must be ample and compelling reasons. Walker Group cited a significant upcoming announcement as their reason for the suspension.
Generally, listed companies suspend their stocks before making major announcements to prevent insider trading and speculation by those with early information.
For instance, a famous internet company named Qihoo 360 previously used this tactic. When they sought to go public domestically, they achieved it through a backdoor listing.
In simpler terms, if a company doesn't meet the securities regulatory commission's listing requirements or the normal listing process takes too long, they can buy another listed company to achieve their goal.
Qihoo 360, being a well-known internet company in China, chose a backdoor listing to save time. Independent listing would have taken an additional one to two years, potentially missing market opportunities.
At that time, everyone speculated which listed company Qihoo 360 would use for their backdoor listing. If investors knew in advance, they could buy the target company's stock and profit from the price surge post-listing.
However, such information is typically top secret within the company, known only to the highest levels and never disclosed publicly.
When South Laverton Board suddenly announced a major event requiring stock suspension, it revealed that 360 intended to use it for their backdoor listing. But by then, it was too late—the stock was already suspended, leaving no opportunity for bottom-fishing.
Walker Group's situation is similar now.
The company is transitioning from a leaderless state to a new chairman, a positive development requiring a stock suspension before the announcement.
10:55 AM, Walker Group's press release hall.
Invited media reporters were already in place, and nationwide investors were watching this press conference.
Since Sarah's accident, Walker Group's stock has been underperforming.
The market feared Walker Group was leaderless and in disarray, causing its stock to decline.
Now, with Walker Group suddenly holding a high-profile press conference, everyone speculated they were about to announce the new chairman.
At this moment, Charlie arrived alone at the entrance of the press hall.
Knowing Charlie's arrival, Ryan came to the entrance to greet him. Despite his many grievances against Charlie, he didn't dare provoke him in Aurous Hill.
CHAPTER 2178: THE UNVEILING
After all, he was Charlie, a man known as The True Heavenly Dragon Among Men. Ryan dared not show the slightest negligence.
Seeing Charlie arrive alone, Ryan quickly stepped forward and respectfully greeted him, "Master Wade, you’re here!"
Charlie nodded slightly, with a touch of apology in his tone, "Ryan, I did my best regarding Sarah’s matter."
Charlie deliberately only said "did my best," without mentioning any outcome. Hearing this, Ryan immediately interpreted it as the kind of response a doctor gives when they couldn't save a patient.
Thus, he quickly filled in the blanks, thinking to himself, "It seems Charlie really didn’t find any trace of Sarah. And now that he’s back, he must have given up the search. Finally, my father and I can be at ease."
While Ryan felt secretly delighted, he still put on a facade of deep sorrow and gratitude, saying, "Master Wade, for Sarah’s sake, you went all the way to Japan and made such great efforts. Our Walker family is deeply grateful."
"If Sarah is truly gone, I believe she would be moved by your sincere efforts, even in the afterlife."
Charlie looked at Ryan earnestly and said, "Ryan, many times, we should hold onto a sliver of hope and pray for a miracle to happen someday. What if one day, Sarah suddenly appears before us? Wouldn't that be a joyous occasion?"
Hearing Charlie's words, Ryan felt as if he had swallowed a fly. He cursed internally, "Pray for a miracle? Pray for your mother’s miracle! I hope that miracle never happens! It would be best if Sarah never shows up. I don't even want to see her corpse, otherwise, I’d have to arrange a funeral, which would be a hassle and expense, and I’d have to pretend to be sorrowful in front of everyone!"
However, he still put on a pious expression and said, "Master Wade, you’re right. I also hope that one day, the miracle you mentioned will occur."
Then he quickly added, "Master Wade, after today’s press conference, I will immediately go to Temple to offer incense and pray for Sarah. Temple is very effective at granting wishes. I often go there to pray and know the abbot well. I can ask him to conduct a prayer ceremony for Sarah."
Charlie smiled faintly and said, "No need for that trouble. You won’t be able to visit Temple again in your lifetime."
Ryan was stunned and asked in surprise, "Master Wade, what do you mean by that?"
Charlie patted his shoulder and said, "Nothing much, just that Temple clashes with your fate."
Ryan, still puzzled, asked, "Why would I clash with Temple, Master Wade? It’s quite effective, though."
Charlie replied calmly, "Trust me, you’ll soon find that Temple is not effective at all."
Ryan, still confused, thought Charlie was talking about feng shui or mysticism, and asked, "Master Wade, are you saying the monks at Temple are frauds?"
Charlie waved his hand, "Not necessarily frauds, perhaps just not skilled enough."
He then added, "Alright, enough about that. Let’s go inside. Isn’t your press conference about to start?"
Ryan quickly said, "Yes, yes, the press conference is about to start. Master Wade, please come in!"
With Ryan leading the way, Charlie walked into the conference hall. Ryan seated him in the VIP section of the front row and then apologized, "Sorry, Master Wade, I have to attend the press conference, so I can’t stay here with you. If you need anything, please let the staff know."
Charlie nodded, "Alright, go ahead and do your thing."
Ryan said eagerly, "Alright, Master Wade, I’ll go then. Please make yourself comfortable."
With that, he hurriedly turned and went to the backstage.
A few minutes later, a female secretary stepped onto the stage and said, "Thank you to all the distinguished guests and media friends for coming. Today, the Walker Group has very important news to announce. Now, please join me in welcoming our board members with a round of applause!"
CHAPTER 2179: THE ANNOUNCEMENT
After the female secretary finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
One by one, the board members of the Walker Group began to enter from the side door.
Walking at the front were several individuals Charlie did not recognize, but at the end were Ryan and his father, Benjamin Walker.
Although Benjamin was the last to enter, the most central seat on the stage was reserved for him.
After taking his seat, Benjamin immediately noticed Charlie in the front row of the VIP seats.
Seeing Charlie, Benjamin felt a surge of anxiety similar to his son, Ryan.
As the saying goes, a guilty conscience needs no accuser; he was worried that his actions might one day be exposed.
His greatest fear was Charlie, who had become the biggest threat in his mind.
If his secrets were ever revealed, he feared Charlie’s retribution more than any police intervention.
Meeting Charlie's gaze, Benjamin forced a conciliatory nod.
Charlie responded with a smile, which somewhat eased Benjamin’s nerves.
Turning on the microphone in front of him, Benjamin began, "Honored guests, shareholders, investors, and media friends, good afternoon!"
"I am Benjamin Walker, formerly the Vice Chairman of the Walker Group. Following Miss Sarah’s unfortunate accident in Japan, the board temporarily appointed me as acting Chairman to assume her duties."
He sighed, "Miss Sarah Walker's ordeal has deeply saddened me and the entire board. We have been in constant communication with the Japanese authorities, urging them to thoroughly investigate the incident and locate Miss Sarah. We hope for a swift and positive resolution."
Pausing briefly, he continued with a serious tone, "However, for a corporation with a market value exceeding 100 billion RMB, we cannot remain leaderless for an extended period. Until Miss Sarah returns safely, we must ensure the stable operation of the Walker Group. Thus, the board convened a meeting this morning."
The audience leaned in, eager to hear what would come next, knowing this was the crucial moment they had been anticipating.
Clearing his throat, Benjamin earnestly announced, "After thorough discussion and a vote, the board has decided to temporarily relieve Miss Sarah of her position as Chairman. Following a unanimous vote among the 17 attending board members, I have been elected to formally take over as Chairman of the Walker Group!"
Everyone had been waiting for this declaration. Although they had speculated that the Walker Group would announce a new Chairman today, it needed to be officially confirmed by the board for it to be indisputable.
CHAPTER 2180: THE UNEXPECTED RETURN
Now that Benjamin had personally admitted it, the matter was set in stone and could be officially released as news.
However, at this moment, Charlie suddenly spoke, calmly asking, "Mr. Walker, Ms. Sarah is currently missing and has not been confirmed dead. I would like to ask you, if Ms. Sarah were to return safely one day, would you return the position of chairman to her?"
Benjamin had thought that today would be a very simple power transition.
Moreover, he believed that he had already conquered the entire board of directors, and the remaining matter was merely to announce it to the public. In this situation, it seemed impossible for anyone to cause trouble.
But he never dreamed that Charlie would suddenly challenge him at this moment.
Although he was very angry, he still replied politely and courteously, "Everyone can rest assured. During our board meeting today, we have already established a basic principle. Although I have been officially elected as the chairman of the Walker Group by the board's vote, I must admit that Ms. Walker is a far more suitable candidate for this position."
Continuing, Benjamin loudly declared, "Therefore, I solemnly announce here: Once Ms. Sarah returns safely, I will immediately hand the position of chairman back to her! After all, she is the most suitable candidate for the chairman of the Walker Group!"
The crowd burst into applause, thinking that Benjamin's words demonstrated his vision, character, and magnanimity, all of which were outstanding.
Just as Benjamin was basking in the applause, Charlie spoke again, "Since Mr. Walker said so, then directly return the chairman position to Ms. Sarah."
Seeing Charlie's aggressive stance, Benjamin felt very annoyed and cursed inwardly, "Damn it, did Charlie take some sort of stimulant today? Why does he keep opposing me? Asking me to return the position now, I could do it, but where is Sarah? Charlie, aren’t you supposed to be very capable? Aren’t you called The True Heavenly Dragon Among Men? If you’re that capable, why haven’t you brought Sarah back alive?"
Benjamin's heart was filled with resentment, but he still seriously said, "As I mentioned earlier, I personally feel that my abilities are not on par with Ms. Sarah, so I sincerely hope to work under her leadership. If Ms. Sarah can return safely, I, Benjamin Walker, will voluntarily step down and resume my role as vice chairman of the Walker Group."
Charlie smiled lightly, "Good, since you said it yourself, in front of so many people, make sure you don’t go back on your word."
Benjamin, unable to hide his displeasure, coldly replied, "Rest assured, I, Benjamin, always keep my word and never go back on it!"
Just as he finished speaking, the doors to the press conference room were forcefully pushed open by several men in black.
Seeing a group of identically dressed men in black entering in two columns, everyone was dumbfounded.
Benjamin sternly shouted, "Who are you? What are you doing here? Let me tell you, this is a private venue of the Walker Group, and you will be legally liable for barging in like this! Where are the security guards? Get them here and throw these people out immediately!"
At that moment, a stunning woman dressed in a complete black suit and black high-heeled shoes walked in.
As soon as she entered, everyone at the scene stood as if struck by lightning, frozen in place!
After striding confidently into the room, the woman fixed her gaze on Benjamin and loudly retorted, "They are all my people. Who has the authority to throw them out?"
Benjamin felt as if the sky had collapsed.
Because the woman speaking was none other than his own niece, Sarah Walker!
, and Claire had to deal with so much BS 'cause of him. He even had the nerve to ask for money during Grandma Wilson's big party, making Claire hella embarrassed 
. They kicked Charlie Wade out, but then plot twist! 
Some butler dude shows up. Turns out, Charlie Wade's actually from the uber-rich Wade clan. The butler's like, "Come home, fam." But since his parents were, like, done dirty by the Wade fam, he's like "Nah." But he did take his grandpa’s black card loaded with 10 billion. 
#MicDrop
