Chapter 419

The glass doors slid open as Vivian Hartley entered Dawson Enterprises with Adrian Blackwood and Mr. Sinclair. Daphne Fairchild and her followers trailed closely behind. Employees immediately clustered around Richard Dawson, exchanging pleasantries. But the moment Vivian stepped into view, their smiles froze.

The Dawson family had been spreading whispers that Vivian was merely Mrs. Blackwood in title, claiming Adrian held no real affection for her. Yet here he was, accompanying her to the company for the second time. The first visit could've been written off as a show, but this? This meant something.

Everyone knew a single project from the Blackwood Group outweighed the entire floundering Dawson empire. Adrian had no business being here personally unless something major was happening. The atmosphere shifted instantly - employees became cautious observers, weighing both sides carefully. Though Mr. Sinclair currently held the largest share percentage, Vivian's backing from the Blackwood Group cast an undeniable shadow. Highfield Company paled in comparison. Like seasoned chess players, everyone moved with calculated precision.

Several executives instinctively retreated, creating subtle distance from Richard, choosing to observe before picking sides. Vivian strode forward and claimed a chair. Eyebrows raised. When she'd been the sole buyer, sitting might've been acceptable. But now with Mr. Sinclair as primary shareholder and her senior, how dare she sit while he stood?

Richard seized the moment to play patriarch. "Vivian, have you forgotten all decorum? Mr. Sinclair is your elder and the company's principal shareholder. You sit while your betters stand? You represent not just yourself but the Blackwood family as their daughter-in-law and major shareholder. Their reputation rests on your actions."

Adrian's icy gaze cut to Richard. "The Blackwood name isn't so fragile it depends on where a woman sits."

Richard's mouth snapped shut. Daphne's face twisted with resentment as she glared at Vivian. How had this cunning woman ensnared Adrian? He'd seemed indifferent to Vivian before, yet now, two years into marriage, they behaved like newlyweds.

Vivian calmly met Mr. Sinclair's eyes. "Would you care to sit, Mr. Sinclair?"

Startled, Mr. Sinclair grabbed a nearby cushion and placed it on Vivian's chair. "Please, Mrs. Blackwood, you take the seat. This chair seems rather hard. The cushion will help. I should stand - need to lose some weight anyway."

Ethan brought a chair for Adrian, who adjusted his suit jacket before sitting. The moment he settled, an undeniable authority radiated from him, making everyone nearby tense.

Vivian locked eyes with Adrian briefly, drawing strength from his steady gaze before addressing the room. "The company's past troubles end today. Those wishing to leave will receive compensation. For those staying - understand this: the old ways of exploiting the system won't be tolerated."

Many present had been Catherine Sutton's picks - talented individuals Richard had sidelined when he took control, even selling shares to new investors. As finances worsened, their frustration grew until they joined the corruption, charging personal expenses as business costs.

From shareholders to managers, they'd picked the company clean like vultures. That it survived this long was miraculous - perhaps Catherine's spirit watching over it.