Chapter 451
After Aiden finished speaking, the board members fell silent for a moment before one of them quietly voiced an objection.
"Aiden, we get that you care about your grandson, but this is a business. We can't let emotions get in the way."
"Look, it's normal to have ups and downs in business. If a project tanks because of the market, that's one thing. But the terms in this document are just crazy, and Michael still signed it. He's playing fast and loose with the company's money."
Others nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, Mr. Aiden Brown, we're all thinking about the company's future here. This time it's billions. What about next time? Even the biggest companies can't take hits like this!"
"Enough!"
Aiden cut them off, his face stern. "I know the situation, and there's no need to keep going on about it."
"I'm here to fix this."
"When mistakes are made, they need to be owned up to. I'm not playing favorites. Luckily, we can still manage this, so let's be fair and vote."
"Should Michael stay as CEO, or should Nolan take over? You decide."
The assistant quickly handed out paper and pens for the board members to cast their votes.
Aiden personally opened the votes.
Everything happened so fast.
By the time Michael realized what was going on, the assistant was already collecting the votes.
Michael instinctively looked at Aiden, who was seated at the head of the table. He couldn't figure out what Aiden was thinking.
Aiden had always been against Nolan taking over the company, and now he was the one calling for a vote to choose the successor.
What had Nolan said to Aiden in the past two days to change his mind so quickly?
Michael frowned.
He knew the odds were against him.
The senior board members were already upset with him because of the document, and now Aiden was having them vote between him and Nolan.
The result would likely favor Nolan, giving him the CEO position.
Unintentionally, Michael's gaze fell on Nolan's face.
He saw Nolan waiting for the result with a smug look.
Nolan's usually calm and polished face now showed confidence and arrogance.
This scene reminded Michael of the time when Nolan was publicly stripped of the CEO position.
Back then, Nolan must have felt the same disbelief and deep sense of defeat.
Michael sighed inwardly.
After all this time, he and Nolan had come full circle.
What was meant to happen had happened.
But this time, he wouldn't just hand over the company. He owed Nolan nothing and felt no guilt towards him.
No matter the outcome, he wouldn't give up the position of successor.
Even if it was just to prove a point, he would take back the company.
Nolan had used a lie to make him lose the person he loved most, and now he wanted to take what was rightfully his?
No way he would let that happen.
Soon, the collected votes were in Aiden's hands.
As the assistant opened each vote, Aiden's expression grew darker.
Michael had already guessed the result.
It made sense.
When Nolan took over the company years ago, he treated it like his home, working diligently and earning a solid reputation. Now, with Michael's recent blunder, it was no surprise they would back Nolan as the new leader.
Aiden spoke slowly, "The results are in. I announce that from today, the CEO of the Brown Group is-Nolan Brown!"
"Let's hear a few words from the new CEO."
As soon as he finished speaking, the room erupted in applause.
Nolan stood up straight, and Michael noticed he was wearing a formal dark suit, as if he had anticipated today's outcome.
Nolan's expression remained unchanged as he scanned the board members, smiling slightly.
"You are all my elders, and I have nothing to teach you. Thank you for your support and trust. Together, we will lead the Brown Group to new heights."
He bowed slightly as a sign of respect.
After all, he was still in a wheelchair and couldn't stand up.
This day had finally come!
He was back, reclaiming everything that was his.
And this was just the first step.
Once he had full control of the Brown Group, his real revenge against the Brown Family would begin.
His next plan was to win Isabella's heart.
Now that Isabella and Michael were divorced, he could approach her without hiding.
He dreamed of the day he and Isabella would get married, imagining Michael's reaction.
The decision was made.
Michael knew that from today, the Brown Group had nothing to do with him.
And he wasn't one to cling on.
Since Nolan had won this round, he would leave.
But he had no intention of truly giving up the company.
With that thought, Michael stood up decisively and gave a cold laugh to the room.
"If this is the result you want, so be it. I won't stay to hear the rest. You can continue your discussion."
As he pulled out his chair to leave, he glanced at Nolan with a meaningful look.
"Nolan, don't celebrate too soon. Whether you can hold onto this company is another matter!"
They were all part of the Brown Family. If Nolan wanted a fight, Michael would give him one.
Michael then strode out of the meeting room.
He didn't even go to his office, heading straight to the parking garage and driving away.
Without the burden of work, Michael felt a sense of relief, even the pain from his injuries seemed to lessen.
But when a person had free time, they thought of the ones they wanted to see most.
He wanted to see Isabella.
Seeing it was nine o'clock, Michael didn't hesitate to drive towards the Wilson Family's home.
Even though he knew Isabella might not see him, he still wanted to try, even if it was just to hear her voice through the door.
Halfway there, Michael received a call from abroad.
It was Aaron.
Michael connected the call through his car's Bluetooth and answered quickly.
"Mr. Brown, I just got the news-"
Aaron's voice was fast and urgent, but Michael wasn't in the mood to listen patiently. He interrupted him.
"Alright, if you're calling just to ask if I've been removed from my position, I can confirm, yes!"
"I'm no longer the CEO of the Brown Group. Anything else you want to ask?"