Spoiling the Obsessed

Chapter 69: Silent Strains

The boardroom of Thorn Group occupied the top floor of the skyscraper, its atmosphere heavy with formality and tension. The board members were seated on either side of the long table, their eyes focused on the man at its head. Damien Thorn sat resolutely in the chairman's seat, flanked by his assistant, Martin.

"Mr. Thorn, I've had the PR department address the negative buzz on Twitter," Martin reported in a low voice.

Damien raised a hand slightly, his expression icy and composed. "Don't worry about it. For now, let's refrain from any response."

One of the board members could barely contain himself and sneered, "Damien, aren't you being a bit overconfident? Our stock prices are plummeting, and our interests are severely compromised. Do you really think you can shoulder this responsibility?"

Jackson Smith, another board member, chimed in with a hint of resignation in his tone. "Damien, we acknowledge your abilities. However, the failure of yesterday's project—could it be related to your health? Your grandfather mentioned concerns about your well-being. If you're ill, you should seek treatment. Perhaps you should temporarily hand over the company affairs to your brother Henry. He's also capable of managing the family business."

Another board member feigned surprise and interjected, "So Damien has health issues? What kind of illness? Is it contagious?" He then exaggeratedly pulled out a mask from his pocket and put it on.

At that moment, Henry Thorn spoke up, his voice laced with concern and a trace of barely concealed mockery. "Brother, your health issues are not to be taken lightly. If you don't address them promptly, they might impact the company's decisions even more. Everyone here is concerned for your well-being. How about you temporarily hand over the company's management to me? I can help you manage things until you recover, after which you can resume control."

Damien's lips curled into a smirk of derision. He was about to retort when the chair beside him was abruptly pulled back. He looked up to see his father, Brandon Thorn, standing in the doorway with a scowl, his gaze intense.

"Damien, have you caused this much trouble and still intend to run the company?" Brandon's voice was cold and commanding. "You have three days to resolve all issues or you will have to transfer control of the company to Henry."

Damien slowly lifted his gaze, meeting his father's eyes with a chilling stare. Brandon was momentarily taken aback by his son's gaze but quickly replaced his fear with intense disdain. "Have you forgotten the agreement you signed? If the company's interests are compromised, you must step down."

Six months ago, Damien had taken control of the company with a ruthless strategy that left everyone stunned. However, the terms were stringent. The agreement clearly stated that the company's stock performance and profitability would determine if he could continue to lead. Failure to meet the targets meant relinquishing his position. Brandon's contempt grew more evident as he continued, "Do you really think you can defy me? I'm your father. Do you think you can escape the constraints of the agreement?"

Damien's eyes grew colder, his voice firm and resolute. "Henry will never have that opportunity."

"Three days," Brandon said sharply. "If you can't resolve things by then, you will be expelled from the Thorn family. I, Brandon, won't tolerate a mad son like you!"

Henry stood nearby, a smug smile on his face. He lightly patted his father's shoulder, his tone ingratiating. "Dad, you know brother grew up in a den of wolves, and he's always been different from us. You've seen it yourself. Don't let him upset you. Let's go have lunch. I've made a reservation at your favorite restaurant."