Chapter 2
The Griffin family holds the authority to veto the succession of the underworld network. By using this veto, Veer Howell will be blocked from taking control. I already have another candidate in mind for the role.
On the day of the succession meeting, all the senior figures of respect and authority within the network were present. We waited for Veer Howell for half an hour. Noticing the growing impatience among the elders, I instructed my assistant to commence the meeting without further delay.
Just as I retrieved my grandfather’s will, Veer Howell barged into the room with Selah Ryan, the door banging shut behind them.
"Apologies, my fiancée was quite captivating last night, and we overslept this morning. I’m sure the gentlemen here will understand," he said with a smirk, looking at Selah.
Veer bore fresh marks on his neck and wore an air of shameless amusement. Selah blushed, lightly tapping his chest with a bashful expression.
"Veer, we agreed not to bring this up in public. It’s embarrassing," she murmured.
Veer wrapped an arm around her, seemingly oblivious to the room's tension. "Soon enough, they'll address you as sister-in-law, so there’s nothing to be shy about."
The elders’ expressions were grim. I fixed a cold stare on him and said, "Since you’ve arrived, take a seat. The meeting has already started, and we’re about to conduct the vote."
He shrugged, sat down, pulling Selah onto his lap, and continued their antics. Selah’s flirtatious laughter filled the room as the two continued their public display of affection.
The uncles and elder gentlemen could no longer contain their anger. One slammed the table, shouting, "Veer Howell! Where’s your respect for us elders? Arriving late is one thing, but bringing a woman here..."
"Seems like you’re not interested in leading the network!"
Veer sneered dismissively, striding over to snatch the will from my hands and slamming it onto the table.
"This is the will the Griffin family drafted when my engagement with Nyra was arranged. It supports my takeover of the network."
"The successor has long been decided as me. This meeting and the vote are mere formalities. My attendance is simply a courtesy!"
His arrogance was astonishing. It appeared he was so engrossed in his affairs with Selah these past days that he failed to realize taking over the network required not only my family’s and the Howells’ support but also the agreement of more than half of the key figures in the network.
I smiled faintly and asked, "You seem quite assured of inheriting the network. Very well, there’s no need for this meeting then. I trust everyone knows who they truly want to vote for."
Unaware of my implication, he answered arrogantly, "Of course! Who else but me in the Howell family could lead? There’s no need for this bureaucratic meeting! I need to take my fiancée to choose a wedding dress!"
Watching him tenderly lead Selah away, I finally spoke up. "I’ve exercised the veto to prevent Veer Howell from taking control. As for whom you choose to vote for, whether it's him or the person I proposed, I trust your judgment."
Most present raised their hands to veto Veer Howell, and I couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction. The handover ceremony is tomorrow, and I wonder how long Veer Howell can keep up his bravado.
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