Standing in his exclusive elevator, he started humming a_ song.

Obviously, he was in a good mood. As the elevator ascended, he looked at the reporters gathered outside. He knew they were anticipating what was about to happen.

He stopped humming and turned to Becker. "Is everything ready?"

Becker nodded with a solemn expression and replied, "Yes, Mr. Fredrick. Rest assured that everything has been arranged."

When they arrived at the conference room, most of the seats were already occupied. On both sides sat the invited people from the financial press and the minute-takers. They were there to record the meeting.

Sadie and Adele were also there. Sadie was in black from head to toe, and her face was filled with grief. She sniffed and wiped her tears from time to time. Adele, on the other hand, was playing with her doll with her head down.

Sadie lowered her head and looked at Adele secretly. Disgust was written all over her face. She thought Adele was such a silly child, playing on such an occasion. There would be more trouble for Adele when she gave birth to her own child.

Zayden sat down and signaled Becker to start the meeting.

Becker nodded.

He looked around and directly said, "I'm sorry to bring everyone this sad news. It is true that Holden Fredrick, the leader of our company, died in an accident last week."

A flurry of whispers erupted as media from both sides exchanged glances. Cameras clicked incessantly, filling the conference room with a rhythmic buzz.

Becker, his expression etched with sorrow, addressed the assembled crowd. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Holden Fredrick. His leadership propelled the Fredrick Group to remarkable heights. Everyone present owes a debt of gratitude to his contributions. To honor his memory, I propose a moment of silence."

Heads bowed, and a reverent hush descended upon the room. The silence was finally broken by a reporter's eager question. "Can you shed light on the cause of Mr. Fredrick's death?"

Becker's gaze flickered to Zayden, who offered a barely perceptible nod. Cleared for disclosure, Becker explained, "Mr. Fredrick's demise was a tragic accident at sea. He fell overboard and unfortunately perished. The Fredrick family spared no effort in a search and rescue operation, but their attempts were unsuccessful."

The pronouncement sparked another question. "We haven't seen an official obituary or Mr. Fredrick's body," a reporter said. "Has his remains not been recovered?"

Becker shook his head grimly. “Unfortunately, no. But the prime rescue window has closed."

This explanation didn't sit well with some members of the press. A voice cut through the murmurs, posing a pointed question. "Since Mr. Fredrick's body remains missing, isn't there a chance he's still alive? There are possibilities we haven't considered. Perhaps a passing fishing boat rescued him, or maybe he's stranded on an island, unable to contact anyone. These are all valid scenarios. After all, it's only been a couple of weeks since the incident. Yet, here we are, with the Fredrick Group executives rushing to hold a shareholder meeting to discuss a power transfer and a new CEO. Doesn't this timing raise a red flag?"

The pointed question hung heavy in the air, silencing Becker and the surrounding shareholders.

Zayden's face darkened as his gaze fell on the person who had asked the question.

The journalist in question was Sonia from Prosperous Media Corporation.