Julia rolled her eyes as she picked up the documents.
"I disagree with everything in this proposal," she said coolly.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Lily's brown eyes widened in shock. She knew Julia was ignorant—but this ignorant? For the first time, it felt like the heavens themselves were on Lily's side.
One of the board directors, Mr. Clifford, flushed red.
If only Robert could see his daughter now, he thought bitterly. He would rather stay buried.
"Mrs. Julia," he snapped, slamming his palm on the table, "this is not child's play. Billions are at stake here. You haven't even finished reading the document, yet you're the first to criticize it."
He pointed at her as though she were a spectacle—something unbelievable.
Julia leaned back slightly, unfazed.
"Mr. Clifford," she replied evenly, "I don't know what gave you the impression that anyone here is playing. I followed the normal procedure before approving a decision—first read, then agree or disagree, and finally vote, if necessary."
She met his gaze, calm and sharp.
"And I disagreed."
A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Perhaps age is finally catching up with you."
Mr. Clifford shot to his feet. "You insolent brat!"
She inherited her father's sharp tongue, he fumed, but not his brain.
"Enough," another senior director intervened quickly. "Let's remain civil."
Mr. Joe cleared his throat. "Since Julia disagrees, she must have her reasons. Let's hear her out."
Though he was deeply disappointed in how Robert's daughter had turned out, loyalty to his late friend forced his hand.
"Thank you for believing in me, Mr. Joe," Julia said sincerely.
Lily almost scoffed.
Let's hear what this dumb bitch has to say, she thought coldly. She's already dug her grave—I'll just help her lie in it.
Leaning toward the microphone, Lily spoke with practiced reluctance.
"I truly don't want to do this, but for the sake of the company—"
She glanced at Julia apologetically, though a wicked glint flashed briefly in her eyes. Julia caught it.
What is she plotting now?
"If Julia cannot provide a reasonable explanation for rejecting my proposal," Lily continued, her voice heavy with false sorrow, "then she should be barred from participating in major decision-making within the company."
Several shareholders murmured sympathetically, as though Lily were making a painful sacrifice.
"That's not fair," Mr. Joe objected immediately. "She is the rightful owner of the company and the largest shareholder. Removing her decision-making power is equivalent to pushing her out entirely."
Lily's smile froze.
This old fool… still loyal to Robert, she thought darkly. Fine. I'll deal with you later.
"I agree with Miss Lily," Mr. Clifford said eagerly. "Our interests are at stake. Mrs. Julia should not be allowed to make major decisions. We can put it to a vote."
Julia laughed—a low, mocking sound.
"A vote?" she echoed. "Like I said earlier, Mr. Clifford, your memory is failing you. As the highest shareholder, decisions concerning me don't require board approval."
She tilted her head slightly. "You really are a dreamer."
Her gaze shifted to Lily, cold and piercing.
Trying to turn me into a puppet? Keep dreaming.
Lily swallowed under Julia's stare. For the first time, it felt as though Julia were an entirely different person.
"What would you lose," Julia asked lazily, spinning her chair, "if I manage to give accurate reasons for rejecting your proposal?"
Lily frowned, momentarily confused—but confidence quickly returned. It's not like she can explain anything, she reassured herself.
"Fine," Lily said firmly. "If you succeed, I'll step down as acting CEO."
A cunning smile curved her lips. The fish has taken the bait.
James, standing quietly behind Julia, shook his head.
She thinks she's the hunter, he thought. If only she knew she was the prey.
"Good," Julia said. "Everyone here will serve as witness."
Mr. Joe looked troubled, but there was nothing he could do. Julia had never been one to lie low.
Rule three, Julia reminded herself. Kill the scapegoat to scare the rest.
She finally lifted the documents properly, her eyes scanning the pages with ease.
"Miss Lily's proposal focuses on entering the gadget market by copying existing strategies," Julia began calmly. "The plan relies on affordability and initial hype."
She paused, then continued.
"Yes, the product would gain attention at first. But after the excitement fades, only loyal customers would remain. The gadget would become just another option in an already saturated market."
She looked up, eyes sharp.
"And Aurexx is not trying to enter the market."
Her voice dropped, steady and dangerous.
"We are trying to become the market."