The Sweetest Revenge

Chapter 06: Becoming CEO

When I got downstairs, Victor was there waiting for me. Next to him were several bodyguards wearing black suits and sunglasses. They were carrying large suitcases, which I assumed were filled with cash.

"Master, we made you wait."

"Don't worry about that. Anyway, the company is going through a liquidity crisis, and I wanted to provide them with the funds. These five million dollars should be enough."

"Sounds good. However, I feel like you lack something. Status."

"Status?"

"Yes. I've made some preparations, and this is your new business card."

When I saw the business card, I was startled. It was my first time seeing a business card inlaid with gold. On it was my name, David Wayne, and my new occupation, CEO of Green Banking Inc.

I was not too familiar with Green Banking Inc., but from what I was told, it was a small company that belonged to my mother.

I brought the entourage upstairs. This time, I had no intention of keeping a low profile and directly headed to the CEO's office.

I knocked on the door and entered. The entire board of directors appeared before my eyes. They were discussing how to raise funds in the CEO's office and were startled when I suddenly barged into the room.

"Hello, the board of directors is holding a meeting. I'll have to ask you to wait outside."

The secretary tried to stop us, but one of the board members signaled her to step back.

An elderly board member stood up and said in a gentle tone, "May I ask who you are?"

Victor gave him my business card.

Three seconds later, the board member told the secretary to bring over another chair and an extra cup of tea!

I did not say a word and sat together with the other board members, savoring my brief moment of superiority. Then, I got to the point and said softly, "I'm sorry for disturbing you."

"Not at all, not at all."

"You saw my business card, so you know who I am. I'm aware that one of your projects stopped midway and as a result you are going through a cash crunch, incurring long-lasting financial damage. I can help you secure up to five million dollars, which I have here with me."

As soon as I finished my introduction, the bodyguards came over with five suitcases full of cash.

The board members were stunned. Although they were rich, it was their first time seeing so much cash all at once.

Sometimes, a pile of cash could have a much stronger visual impact than numbers on a screen. After I showed my good faith, the board members got up and came to shake hands with me, wishing they could start the collaboration immediately.

"Mr. Wayne, given the incredible sincerity you've shown, our company will immediately draw up a contract. We guarantee that the payback period will not exceed six months."

I nodded and then said with a smile, "I don't doubt your words, but there is a condition."

"Mr. Wayne, do tell."

"I want to become your company's CEO."

Replacing the CEO was a big deal, and even the board of directors would have to hold a meeting and carefully discuss the matter. At the very least, they would have to make sure that there was a proper plan in place for the company's future development.

When I put forward my proposal, the board members became fidgety.

Seeing their apprehension, I continued, "What's the matter? Are you doubting my abilities?"

"No, no, that's not it. Mr. Wayne, it's just that..."

As they were still hesitating, I signaled Victor to get ready to leave. Seeing me stand up, the board members became flustered. They stood up as well.

I was their last hope, too important to let go. If I got angry and pulled out, it would be a disaster for their company.

"Mr. Wayne, can you wait a moment? We'll immediately make the necessary arrangements. Theresa, call Mr. Page and have him come here. Hurry!"

"Yes, Mr. Chairman!"

This "Mr. Page" was none other than the company's CEO. The same person who was scolding Jane earlier.

About ten minutes later, the CEO made his appearance. Although he was the head of the company, he was still an employee, so he was very respectful to the board of directors.

"Mr. Page, I would like to hear what plans you have for the company."

As the chairman questioned solemnly, Mr. Page became nervous. He had a feeling things were not going to bode well for him.

I sat beside the chairman, drinking my tea and listening with great patience.

"I feel like the company should focus on e-commerce in the near future and expand the number of services it provides. At the same time, we should try to increase the degree of customer satisfaction and..."

Seeing him talk endlessly, the board members started to lose patience.

"Bring me the financial report of the last two quarters," said the chairman, his expression still solemn.

"I'll call the manager of the finance department."

Since the manager was on a business trip, the assistant manager was summoned in his stead. It was none other than my former colleague Zack. When he got into the room, I could feel his anxiety. He was trembling slightly.

He reminded me of myself when I was scolded by the manager in the past.

I did not know if Zack saw me, but the cold faces of the board members must have taken quite the toll on him. He was scared senseless.

The slide of last quarter's financial report was projected on the screen for everyone to see. Seeing the profits plummet, Mr. Page's complexion kept changing until he was as white as a sheet of paper.

This three-minute-long presentation must have been torture for him. I watched but did not say a word.

"Mr. Page, I feel that you're no longer suited to be this company's CEO," said the chairman.

"Mr. Chairman, this isn't my fault. If the company had enough funds, I'm sure I could make it thrive."

"Are you implying that if we can't get our hands on enough funds, we'll go bankrupt? It doesn't take a genius to know that you can make money by investing money. However, the CEO must know how to lead a company through difficult times. Yet, all you can do is prattle endlessly!"

The chairman admonished Mr. Page, and the latter could only take it quietly. After all, when your performance was this poor, your explanations would be hardly believable.

Mr. Page was eventually relegated to the position of COO.

"Mr. Chairman, are you really sure of your decision? For now, I can hold the position of managing director, and when you have a better candidate, I can step down. It would be unwise to leave the company without leadership, even if it's for a day!"

"There is no need for you to worry. I've already found a suitable candidate!"

"Who is it?" asked Mr. Page, somewhat annoyed.

"That would be me."

I stood up and looked at Mr. Page, someone unreachable for me in the past. I saw the hatred in his eyes.

On the other side, Zack blanched. He could not believe his eyes. Never would he have expected that I would become the new CEO!

I could not blame him. After all, just this morning I was doing something as lowly as handling my resignation procedure and asking him to sign my form to get the remainder of this month's salary.

After the chairman's explanation, Mr. Page was left speechless. He was someone who loved power, and he did not like to be someone else's subordinate. My sudden rise would surely attract his hostility, but I did not care much about it.

"Good, you can get back to work now. Remember to inform every department that we have the funds. Also, contact manufacturers and suppliers and tell them that we're back on track!"

It was only now that Mr. Page realized what was going on. He spoke no more and just nodded, taking his leave.

Zack wanted to leave as well. He said gingerly, "Mr. Chairman, if there is nothing else, I'll also take my leave."

"Fine, you can go."

"Yessir!"

Zack turned around and prepared to leave, happy to have escaped this calamity. However, I had no intention of letting him off.

"Assistant Manager, please wait a moment. I have something to ask you."

Zack had a bad feeling. He turned around and did not dare to look me in the eye.

"M-Mr. Wayne, do you need something?"

"I wanted to talk about your financial report. Third slide, fifth row. There are three thousand dollars missing from the company's operation cost."

"Ah?" Zack stood rooted to the spot.

When the financial report was displayed again, it was just as I said. There was that small mistake.

The reactions of the board members were not positive, as could be expected. One of the board members immediately shouted, "No wonder the company is facing such a situation. You get paid and you don't even do your job properly! You can forget about getting a bonus this quarter. Go back and fix that report!"

"Ye-Yes! I'll go immediately!"

I bet Zack was looking forward to leaving this hellish place. But the more he wanted to leave, the more I wanted him to stay!

"Assistant Manager, no need to be in such a rush!"

"M-Mr. Wayne, is there anything else?"

"Do you know why I could spot that small mistake?"

"Because Mr. Wayne is very observant and pays attention to every detail. You're a role model for us. Henceforth, I'll—"

"Enough of your flattery Mr. Reddick, I really can't tell if you're smart or stupid. When I worked for this company, you secretly fudged my report and had the manager fire me. Now, you brought that very same report here!"