His Devious Rule

Linus behaved as dumb and deaf the whole time. He wasn't becoming a CEO for any power or position. He wasn't doing it for the company or to take revenge on Casper for threatening Elder Collins.

He considered the position for Alvin who believes in him. He changed his mind about Krystle who encouraged him and proposed that she will take care of his startup. He accepted Alvin's plan because his father was willing to fulfill his dreams.

Apart from that, Ean's words stuck in his mind. If he smoothly manages the Matthews Industries and becomes successful, high-profile people would try to impress him and donate to the NGO. Or else, he will be in a position to influence people and bring light to social issues.

He wasn't sure if he was overestimating himself and everything. Despite knowing Ean tried to trick him, Linus chose to step forward. Not by killing his dream, but hoping to use the opportunity from a different perspective.

Thus he didn't focus on any word being discussed among the shareholders. Alvin will have his reasons if Alvin was pushing him to the CEO position. He trusted Alvin so he let Alvin handle the meeting without getting offended by the shareholders' words.

Alvin felt his head throb from the commotion. He was glad he didn't have many shareholders in Skylark to see this kind of day. He pitied Linus and Liam and played with his mobile.

When the television screen changed and a video started playing, a few noticed it and turned to the screen. It took some time for everyone to focus on the screen.

It was a video of busy Linus instructing twenty volunteers and smoothly taking control over hundreds of homeless who had just lost homes and families in a natural calamity.

Yes, Linus didn't have experience in business but he was better than any of them to handle any kind of crowd. He had leadership qualities and a controlling ability without losing his composure.

Linus does get emotional when it's about his family because he was protective. Nonetheless, he was entirely different from Liam who had lost his sanity after a heart attack by his father.

Once the shareholders fell silent and frowning at each other, Alvin glanced at Harrison and questioned, "What are the top qualities a CEO should possess?"

The shareholders looked at each other without understanding what Alvin was up to. Harrison wasn't sure if he should welcome the idea of Alvin or reject it so he stayed silent with complex thoughts.

Liam didn't dislike the lively yet responsible man, Linus joining the company. Undoubtedly a better choice than Damon Matthews or an unknown man sitting at the position. So he responded to Alvin, "Lead the employees."

The video playing on the screen was an example of how a person could give a new direction and hope to people. If Linus could handle the unrelated people so efficiently, he could guide the group of employees to achieve maximum productivity.

Liam added, "Stay focused on your business goals." Everyone there knew how focused Linus was on his NGO. He was dedicated, there was no doubt about that.

Liam continued to make a list as he watched watching the video while ignoring the gazes of people, "Communicate with your staff and clients." Probably none of them was as good as Linus in communication with the people. "Show respect for your employees...."

Liam listed quite a few qualities a CEO needed to inspire employees and develop the company.

Even Linus was surprised to know he had so many good qualities. 'Interesting.'

Whereas Alvin just watched Liam. Why was Liam supporting them and giving up on the company so easily?

Was he finally leaving the company?

A stern voice broke the confusion and silence in the hall, "CEO Matthews, if you are going to support Linus Collins in your position, what about you?"

"That's right. Linus Collins might be good but you have worked in the company. Nobody knows about the company as much as you."

"How could we just let an inexperienced man run the company?"

When the voices of shareholders were getting sharp on Liam, Steve Hanks swallowed hard when he met Alvin's compelling fierce eyes. He immediately interjected to speak for Linus, "I support Linus Collins becoming the CEO."

The hall fell into silence and watched Steve Hanks as if he lost his mind.

Steve Hanks realized he just blabbed out when he sensed the odd gazes on him. So he added, "Didn't CEO Mattehws have any experience when he took over the position of a CEO? Why can't Linus Collins do the same?"

A shareholder scoffed at the lame theory of Steve Hanks, "There was Chairman Matthews to lead CEO Liam all these years." Now Casper wasn't there.

One of Steve Hanks's accomplices spoke in favor of Linus, "The Matthews industries don't have to be a family business to run by a family. We all have our money here."

They wanted to use Alvin to override the family business of the Matthews Industries. With Linus's arrival, many of the shareholders wanted to try their luck in the near future.

Slowly the shareholders started to argue with each other. Some wanted Liam to continue working. Some wanted a fair chance to get a higher position in the company, while others maintained silence.

Liam couldn't help but glance at Alvin. The business was run by the Matthews family. It was their achievement and pride. Now the Matthews were the reason to end their reign.

Harrison, who was silently watching Alvin and mulling over the situation, went closer to the desk and whispered to Liam. "CEO Liam, you should become Vice-Chairman." He elegantly straightened his back and stepped away.

He didn't need words to say Alvin wasn't against Liam but Casper. Alvin aimed to strip off all the power and control from Casper. So Alvin couldn't be replacing Liam with Linus.

Harrison was able to deduce Alvin was pushing them to make an extreme decision for the company, against Casper. They can't possibly remove Casper from Matthews Industries. Casper will never write his last will when he was faking a heart attack.

Instead of creating a position of a president whose responsibility collides with the CEO, Harrison came up with an intermediate solution - a vice-chairman. The new position of Vice Chairman felt more suitable for Liam.

In other words, Liam was replacing Casper. He will have control over the company and Linus will do the business.

Liam: "..."

As if silence slapped him for a moment, Liam was stunned. Without the Vice President and President, a vice chairman will have a major responsibility. If he becomes a vice chairman, Casper would be a chairman just in name. Casper will become a bird without wings.

Liam understood Alvin's intention. But creating the Vice Chairman position was a critical decision for the company. But it was the only way to satisfy Alvin's demands and do his duty.

If he has to become the Vice Chairman, he will have to become the person who could head the meeting.

By the time Liam could accept a major situation, a clear but chilly voice cut through the rambling arguments, "Make him the chairman."

Everyone: 😳

The shareholders, Harrison, Liam, and Linus looked at Alvin in horror as if he was the devil who announced their death date. They couldn't believe Alvin was planning to completely get rid of Casper who was the major shareholder of the company.

Has Alvin lost his mind?