Opinions among netizens were split. Meanwhile, events in the conference room unfolded according to Zayden's expectations.

Shortly after, Becker officially initiated the shareholders’ meeting, and soon after that, the shareholders started submitting their voting forms.

Becker declared the results of the shareholders’ vote after a glance at the forms. "According to the resolution, over half of the present shareholders support the promotion of Zayden Fredrick."

Following this announcement, applause resonated in the room once more.

However, Sonia abstained from applause this time, observing the scene from a distance with a cold demeanor.

Following the initial voting round, a live vote was conducted, with shareholders indicating their votes by raising their hands.

The results aligned with those stated in the official documents, showing that more than half of the shareholders consented to Zayden's promotion.

With a self-satisfied expression, Zayden rose to his feet. He cast a quick glance at the shareholders who abstained from voting, expressed gratitude with a smile to everyone, and proceeded to the main seat to sign the documents.

Right as Zayden was about to sign the documents and the others were ready to applaud, the meeting room's door suddenly swung open.

A collective gasp rippled through the room as a group of people entered one after another.

Just as the confusion settled in, a man's voice broke the silence, slowly stating, “If there's a shareholders’ meeting, why wasn't I informed? Last time I checked, I'm still alive."

The next second, Holden appeared before the astounded crowd.

Except for Sonia, who seemed calm, everyone was looking at Holden with shock.

Zayden and Sadie, in particular, appeared petrified.

Zayden stood up, eyes bulging in disbelief. He pointed a trembling finger at Holden, stammering, “You... How are you still..."

Holden's lips curled into a sly smirk as he finished Zayden's stammered question. "Wondering how I'm still alive? Perhaps you should ask those laughably incompetent hitmen of yours."

Zayden snapped back to reality, standing rigid with clenched fists, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Despite the tension, he managed to say, "I'm relieved you're not dead, cousin, but hitmen? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Holden patted Zayden's shoulder and strolled over to claim the main seat at the table. He nodded at Becker, signaling him to proceed the meeting.

Becker plastered a strained smile on his face, clearly out of sorts.

How could he possibly continue this meeting now?