Chapter 283: We are long-standing partners.
The tension in the meeting room was suffocating. Voices clashed as the directors pushed Ava to step down from her position.
"Running a business is not child’s play," barked a balding director. "You are too young and inexperienced for this role."
A chorus of agreement erupted around the table.
"We don’t trust you!" the directors echoed in unison.
But Ava refused to back down. She stood tall as she met their hostility head-on. "My father built this company from the ground up, and I hold the majority of shares after him," she stated firmly. "If I’m not qualified to lead, then tell me—who is?"
"You may have the maximum shares, but you lack the experience of running a business," another one interjected. "Mr. Moss has been working as the vice president for the past few years. He is more eligible than you. He can run the company better than you. Instead of taking the president’s post, you should work under him and learn first."
A smirk flickered across Ethan’s face, though he masked it quickly. The directors’ harsh words played perfectly into his hands, feeding his ambitions. But he couldn’t appear too eager. Straightening his posture, he stood and raised a hand.
"Gentlemen, let’s not be so harsh on Ava," he said smoothly. "She is talented, and we shouldn’t underestimate her potential. More importantly, Mr. Williams himself entrusted her with this position. Questioning her means questioning his judgment."
He turned to Ava, his gaze locking with hers. "I believe in you," he said sincerely. "I have no desire to take your place. Instead, I would be honored to stand beside you as vice president and help you lead."