133. A Tough Battle
Natalie’s voice resonated in the hall, and there was pin-drop silence after her last statement. The board of directors’ eyes bulged out and they all sprang to their feet including Harold Olsen.
“Natalie Olsen, what’s the meaning of this?”
“Do you know what it means to let go of this important position?”
“Are you out of your mind, Natalie!” Harold shouted. “You must be mentally sick. Since this conference started, I had a feeling that something is wrong with your brain.”
“I am healthy and sound, Dad,” Natalie replied, acting unbothered by their words. “The only sick place is the mind of the corrupted higher-ups who observe injustice. If you all don’t agree with my decision, I might as well quit!”
Now among the board of directors, although a majority of them were on Harold Olsen’s side, only a few weren’t corrupt.
Of course, they were aware of the current situation of the Group and lived every day in fear of what would happen next.
Because of Harold Olsen’s involvement, they had no choice but to shut their mouths.
However…
Most of them put their heads together and started whispering. A few moments passed by before someone spoke up,
“You are right, Natalie. Heidi is the rightful owner of this position, and some of us regret our previous decision.
We can no longer fight the battle with those demanding justice! We are happy to have Heidi as the CEO.”
“Please, Heidi Olsen, you might have come unprepared, but would you mind giving your appointment speech? You are supposed to step into your office today,” Another person spoke.
“And forgive us for what happened before. We all want the AG Group to succeed.”
Harold Olsen’s expression was as pale as a sheet.
He remained standing, staring at the board of directors in shock. “What- What is this? Natalie, are you crazy!?”
But no one listened to him.
The paparazzi captured everything and the news was soon spread in the media.
The social media channels instantly burst with comments.
“Ha! I knew those fools wouldn’t remain standing for long.”
“Harold Olsen deserves to be hanged. Luckily, his daughter doesn’t take after him.”
“The Olsens Family must have hidden such a gem for a reason. Considering what Heidi Olsen did for that brand, we can only hope the same happens for the Group.”
Heidi, who was the most shocked of all, couldn’t find her voice in time.
She’d anticipated this victory, but not this way or this early.
After giving a hasty speech, she left the conference room with Natalie, the big question hanging in her mind.
“I know what you want to say,” Natalie stopped her from asking, putting on a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Know that I only did this for Grandpa.” Her smile faded and she sighed. “You don’t know, but Grandpa summoned me and disclosed some very shocking news.”
Heidi listened on with furrowed brows.
“Grandpa is diagnosed with stress- induced cardiomyopathy, Heidi,” Natalie said with a downcast tone. “Do you know that the condition can lead to a heart attack? It turns out the family’s constant unrest has been causing Grandpa too much worry.”
Stress-induced cardiomyopathy?
A condition where intense emotional or physical stress can temporarily weaken the heart muscle, leading to symptoms similar to a heart attack.
Heidi wasn’t a stranger to that illness. She’d once researched it online because Grandpa Winston’s condition had been similar.
The realization that Grandpa Jeffery was sick toiled with her emotions, bringing tears to her eyes. “Why, though?” Heidi asked, aggrieved. “Why did Grandpa hide such important news from everyone?”
“Grandpa fears for the family,” Natalie replied. “He fears that Harold Olsen might do something to worsen his condition. Dad is beyond saving.”
“Grandpa wants you to have this position. He believes that Dad can’t manipulate you easily.”
“Also, Grandpa said you have the same mindset as Grandma.” Natalie chuckled. “I also share some resemblance with Grandma. Sadly, he never compared us.”
“Heidi, be careful.” Natalie stared at her worriedly. “Dad and his allies won’t go down without a fight. This is going to be a tough battle.”
