Chapter 333

Verena's words had scarcely settled when the people in the conference room exchanged furtive glances.

Hesitation clouded their eyes, every face painted with inner conflict and contradiction.

Each was secretly weighing the pros and cons. The project promised fat profits, yet the looming shadow of prison was a price none wished to pay.

The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife,leaving everyone restless.

Molly observed coldly, savoring their wavering expressions. A trace of delight curled in her chest.She lifted her chin, a sly smile tugging at her lips, her narrowed eyes glinting with contempt-as though she were already watching Verena tumble from her pedestal.

But just as Molly was about to revel in mocking Verena's boldness, the unexpected struck.

A young man in the front row clenched his teeth, his hand trembling slightly as he slowly raised it. His hoarse voice broke the silence. "I support Mrs.Bennett."

The moment was like the first domino tipping,sparking a chain reaction.

Soon, others summoned courage and lifted their hands as well.

One,two,three...

Hand after hand rose, each one striking Molly like a stinging slap, draining the smile from her face in an instant.

Her complexion turned ashen. Eyes wide, lips trembling,fists clenched tight-her nails dug deep into her palms, yet she felt nothing. Never had she imagined that those who once obeyed her commands would turn their backs at such a moment.

In this silent duel, the verdict had already been cast by the raised hands.

Verena stood quietly, her gaze steady and resolute,sweeping across the conference room.

Her calm expression radiated confidence, as though she held the reins of fate itself.

"Since everyone agrees with my decision, the project will cease immediately," Verena said with a slight nod,her lips pressed firmly, her voice sincere. "Rest assured,under my leadership, the company will walk the right path, and your hard work will not go unrewarded."

Her deliberate stress on "right path" echoed in the air.

Molly's face paled, then flushed, her eyes burning with resentment. Rage and unwillingness welled up,yet she had no words to counter.

Verena's gaze brushed lightly over her before settling on the others. "That will be all. The meeting is over-return to your work."

The attendees, all seasoned professionals, quickly grasped the undercurrents.

Without needing further instructions, they sensed the sharp edge of conflict in the room. So, once Verena spoke, they breathed a sigh of relief, rising together and filing out with lowered heads.

One after another, they left-until Molly alone remained.

Biting her lip, eyes blazing with defiance, she fixed her gaze on Verena's retreating figure.

"Bythe way." Verena halted mid-step, turning with composed elegance.Her eyes fell gently on Molly, calm as a still lake."Miss Kirk, don't forget to hand me the files I asked you to organize by day's end."

She raised an eyebrow, a flicker of a smile touching her lips.

With that, she turned and walked away.

Molly sat frozen, her chest rising and faling sharply.

The contrast of their positions-manager versus CEO -stabbed at her pride like a thorn lodged too deep.

Meanwhile, Verena returned to her office. She went straight to her desk, sat down, and drew in a deep breath.

Her fingers rubbed her temples before she reached for her phone and dialed Luis' number.

The call connected swiftly, and Verena wasted no time. "I need to speak to you about Molly. She has been putting personal gain above the company's interests,nearly letting substandard drugs slip into the market. That would not only ruin our reputation but also harm countless lives."

Luis' deep, magnetic voice carried restrained anger."She certainly has nerve." Verena continued, "I exposed the issue in today's meeting and halted the project. But she won't surrender so easily. My plan is to gradually strip her of her authority."

After a pause, Luis replied with measured calm,"Verena, I trust your judgment. Benedict Pharmaceuticals is under your care, and I have every confidence in you. No need to wait for my approval -make the decisions you see fit.Whatever you need,I'll back you."

Verena's lips curved into a soft smile. "Thank you, Luis.With your support, I feel even more assured."

Meanwhile,Molly stormed into her office,kicking the trash bin at her feet.

With a sharp clang, it toppled, spilling its contents across the floor.

Her fury surged; she swept every document off her desk,the papers scattering like fallen leaves.

Collapsing into her chair, she seized her phone and dialed Sherwood's number.

The moment the call connected, her voice cracked with rage and tears. "Dad, you can't imagine how outrageous Verena was today! She utterly disregarded me!" Sherwood's voice, deep and seasoned by years of business storms, came through steady. "Molly, calm yourself. Tell me everything clearly."

She sucked in a sharp breath, her voice sharp as a blade. "Verena openly opposed my project in the meeting. She even swayed everyone to her side,leaving me completely humiliated!"

The more she spoke, the more agitated she became,eyes red and brimming. "Dad, don't forget-we saved the Sampson family! Without us, they wouldn't stand where they are now. Yet Verena dares to treat me this way. How am I supposed to swallow this?"

Sherwood snorted coldly. "I always knew Verena and Isaac would be hard opponents. But heed me-acting rashly inside the company will only work against you."

Leaning back in his leather chair, he scattered fish food into the tank. A swarm of colorful fish darted in frenzy, fighting for each morsel.

He said slowly, "Molly, business is a battlefield where timing and tactics mean everything. It's a game of chess-win with strategy, not impulse. You clashed with her today, and what happened? She turned the tables,leaving you humiliated."

Molly's voice trembled, thick with grievance. "Then what should I do, Dad? Just choke back my pride?" Sherwood's brow furrowed, his tone sharpened."Swallow your pride? Never. But we must change tactics."

Softening slightly, he comforted her, saying "Listen carefully-calm yourself. Don't let Verena sense another move. On the surface, keep working as usual,cooperate where required."

"And then?" Molly pressed, eager.

Sherwood set the fish food aside, leaning back with narrowed eyes that carried a glacial edge. "Leave the rest to me. Trust me-I won't let you suffer."