Chapter 181 Challengers and Chess Pieces
Finished
Hearing Naomi’s shameless remarks, Henry let out a cold chuckle. “I’m usually pretty patient with girls, but you’re the one exception. It’s not because you’re special–it’s because you’re absolutely shameless.”
With that, he pulled Eliza along and said, “Come on, Elizze. Let’s not waste time on someone like her. If we don’t hurry, the food will be cold.”
He led her out of the classroom.
Naomi’s expression darkened instantly. “Henry! You probably don’t even know, but Eliza’s been making a ton of money off the medicine you sold her at a discount. She’s been cashing in and never even treated you like a real friend! Why go out of your way for someone like that?”
Her face was full of smug satisfaction, thinking she’d finally exposed Eliza and ruined her standing. But to her surprise, Henry turned and replied, “I’ve known about that for a long time. You think everyone’s as selfish as you?”
“What?!”
Naomi’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected Eliza to actually tell Henry about it.
Henry added coldly, “And let me warn you–stay out of my sight from now on. If I see you again, I’ll hit you again.”
“Henry, you-!”
Naomi stomped her foot in frustration.
Outside the classroom, Eliza walked beside Henry. He stopped for a moment and said, “Don’t listen to anything she said. I never blamed you.”
“I know.”
Eliza smiled. “I’m really happy to have you as a friend.”
Henry smiled back. “Alright then, let’s go eat.”
“Okay.”
Eliza followed him out of the academic building.
“By the way, where’s Nolan?”
Henry had just mentioned Colton and Lewis, but not Nolan.
“Oh, him? He came to school this morning, then left.”
“He left?”
Eliza blinked. “Why so suddenly?”
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Chapter 181 Challengers and Chess Pieces
She remembered they had all come to school together earlier.
“He’s the head of the Hayes family. He’s got a ton of responsibilities. And honestly, college isn’t something he really needs. I don’t know what he was thinking, coming to the most academically demanding school in the country.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Nolan doesn’t need to be here. With his brain, he could’ve just bought a diploma. Hayes Corp has more than enough on its plate. He’s running the whole thing on his own and still has to watch out for his uncle. It’s way too much.”
Eliza fell silent at that.
Henry noticed and quickly added, “Then again, maybe he just wanted the full college experience. Maybe he’s trying to build more connections.”
But Eliza saw through that excuse immediately.
As the head of the Hayes family, Nolan was already the most valuable connection anyone in Westbrook could hope for. Even without stepping foot in Claire University, people would be lining up to meet him.
If anything, Nolan was the one avoiding them.
Could it be because of…
That thought stayed in Eliza’s mind, but she didn’t voice it. It felt a little too conceited.
Who would choose a university just for someone else?
Meanwhile, at Hayes Corp headquarters-
Inside the conference room, all the shareholders were seated.
But no one dared to speak. The entire room was silent, not even the sound of a breath.
At the head of the table sat Nolan, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, eyes closed as he rested.
After a long moment, he finally spoke. “So it seems everyone’s intentions are quite clear.”
Just one sentence was enough to tense the room.
“You all want my uncle to take my place, is that it?”
His voice was as cold as ice.
Several men flinched involuntarily.
“Sir, we’re only thinking about the company’s future.”
“Yes, exactly. It’s about the company’s long–term interests. Since you’re still in school, it’s hard for you to
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juggle everything.”
“Mr. Tyson has been fully dedicated to the company over the years. We all trust him. We believe he can lead Hayes Corp to greatness.”
The voices came one after another.
Nolan said flatly, “So you’re saying I’m not capable of leading you to greatness.”
“Sir, please don’t take it personally. Everyone’s just speaking from the heart.”
“Yes, the company can’t be without a leader. We’re just hoping you’ll sacrifice for the greater good. We’d all be grateful!”
Watching these sly old men spinning their sugar–coated nonsense, Nolan’s lips suddenly curled into a
smile.
That smile sent a chill through the room.
“If that’s how everyone feels, then there’s no need to continue this conversation.”
“So… you’re agreeing to it?”
Mr. Jordon, one of the older shareholders, let out a breath of relief.
“Mr. Nolan, you may be young, but you’re clearly reasonable. Once you graduate, your future will be limitless!”
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