Chapter 230: Neither proved worthy
"My grandson."
The moment Alekis said that Roderick and his mother were on cloud nine. However, their happiness was short-lived as Alekis spoke further.
"My grandson isn’t capable yet to manage such a big company yet. I don’t want to put on the line of the future of the company that way," he said in a heavy tone.
"Grandpa, you can’t do that to me," Roderick said, his voice was audible only to a few, including Layla and Lucius. Was his grandfather planning to make Lucius the next Chairman? He wouldn’t let it happen. He was ready to reveal Lucius’s origin to the world, if necessary.
Alekis, unbothered by the whispers spreading like wildfire among the guests, pressed on. "My son has indeed done a commendable job as the company’s director. However, I am fully aware of the resistance among the board members against Lucius taking over. After careful consideration, I have made my decision regarding the future of the De Salvo Group."
Alekis then took a brief pause as he lowered his eyes for a moment.
"I have decided to appoint my daughter-in-law, Layla De Salvo, as the next chairwoman of the De Salvo Group."
The announcement hit like a thunderclap. Gasps echoed through the garden, and hushed conversations broke out among the guests. Layla stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. She looked at Alekis as though she hadn’t heard him correctly.
Fiona felt as though the ground had been ripped out from under her. Her son’s carefully laid future was crumbling before her eyes, but she couldn’t react—couldn’t utter a single word in protest in front of the gathered crowd. Her fists clenched tightly, her nails digging into her palms. Why had Alekis chosen Layla? She lacked the experience her son had worked tirelessly to gain.