No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 546

Ian sat in the conference room, listening silently as the shareholders listed all his alleged faults. It was his idea to shift the company's focus from traditional industries to technology.

In the early years, as the digital era brought numerous benefits, these shareholders made a fortune. Now that there were issues, they were ready to place all the blame on him.

Fair-weather friends, indeed.

A man of the Hayes family stood up and said, "Putting aside what contributions or harm Ian has brought to the company, the mere fact that he wasn't born to the legitimate wife of the Hayes family goes against our ancestral traditions. Therefore, he's unfit for the CEO position. Teo, I had to do this."

Teo scoffed, "Do you not remember how much money Ian has made for you all these years with Hayes Corporation under his management? Without his tireless effort, would you be enjoying your current prosperity?

The matter regarding Leonora is still under investigation. Regardless of who she is or whether Ian is her son, he is MY son. If you aim to oust him, don't blame me for turning my back on you!"

"But the traditions of our family cannot be broken. Once Ian's status is confirmed, he must step down. There's no precedent for a child born out of wedlock in the Hayes family."

"Traditions are made by people. If they can be established, they can be broken. I've long been displeased with these outdated views," Teo retorted, his face red with anger.

Ian had worked so hard from the beginning. To transition the company, he and his team delved deep into semiconductor technology. In less than five years, he successfully transitioned most of the Hayes Corporation's traditional industries.

By integrating technology into declining real estate, tourism, and hospitality sectors, he managed to increase the company's earnings exponentially each year. Hayes Corporation might have fallen into decline without his timely shift in focus.

"It shouldn't be like this. I heard that Brodie and his mother were persecuted by Leonora for many years, suffering greatly. In contrast, Ian was raised as the heir all these years. Now that Brodie's been acknowledged by the Hayes family, he deserves some form of compensation. Otherwise, as his relatives, we would feel you're being biased."

"I think this outcome is for the best. Both men are capable and fit to take on the role of CEO at Hayes Corporation. Teo, why are you hesitating? Just choose Brodie. You won't break the family's traditions, and your son becomes the CEO. Isn't it killing two birds with one stone?"

Teo was stuck in a difficult position.

Agreeing with everyone would be unfair to Ian. Disagreeing would mean he didn't acknowledge Brodie.