Chapter 356 A Battle of Legitimacy
With just one line, Nolan shifted the entire atmosphere of the room back in his favor.
His assistant, reassured, held his tongue.
The shareholders and senior executives exchanged uneasy glances.
Everyone in the room knew this was no ordinary meeting. Tyson and Nolan were clearly locked in a quiet war for control over Hayes Corp. And though most of them hadn’t officially taken sides, their hearts leaned toward Tyson.
After all, Tyson’s capabilities were undeniable.
Nolan, on the other hand, had a reputation for ruthlessness–too decisive, too cold. Many feared that if he took full control, they’d be next on the chopping block.
Facing Nolan, Tyson kept his usual polite smile. “Nolan, today’s meeting is both company business and a family matter. As president of Hayes Corp, your every move reflects on the company. And as your uncle, I have a duty to keep you in check.”
Nolan’s brow furrowed. He had a feeling where this was going.
“So you called this high–level meeting,” he said coldly, “without notice, just to discuss family drama? Has your brain gone soft?”
Unfazed by the insult, Tyson replied, “Ms. Elaine is your fiancée. When the call came to me last night, I had no choice but to intervene. You should know what she represents. With that in mind, your behavior was simply unacceptable.”
“My personal life isn’t your concern.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. The engagement between you and Ms. Elaine was arranged long ago. It’s not just personal–it’s business. And since it concerns the company, I think we all deserve to hear an explanation.”
He turned to the room. “What do the rest of you think, gentlemen?”
One of the shareholders, Mr. Rich, hesitated. “Well… Mr. Hayes does have a point.”
Before he could continue, Nolan cut in, “Mr. Rich, please clarify–there are two Mr. Hayeses here. Which one are you referring to?”
“I… I…” Mr. Rich faltered, speechless.
How could he possibly answer that?
With Mr. Rich silenced, the others kept their heads down, pretending to be oblivious.
Nolan said coolly, “See that? Everyone here knows who actually calls the shots. Hayes Corp is business. Personal matters stay personal. Whatever happens with Ms. Elaine is mine to handle–your interference is unnecessary.”
Tyson countered with a subtle jab. “Ms. Elaine is your fiancée. That means she is your responsibility. And if you were handling her properly, she wouldn’t have needed to call me in the first place.”
Chapter 356 A Battle of Legitimacy
The implication was clear: Nolan had neglected her.
Everyone in the room knew how wealthy the Lynn family was. Tyson’s tone made it obvious he was questioning Nolan’s judgment.
“I suggest Mr. Hayes take care of his personal relationships,” Tyson said smoothly, “and avoid letting private matters affect company operations. Otherwise, the board may have to reconsider whether you’re truly fit to lead Hayes Corp.”
The bluntness of Tyson’s words stunned the room.
Suddenly, no one dared speak. Two tigers in one den–someone was bound to get hurt. None of them wanted to get caught in the crossfire.
They’d seen enough of Nolan’s leadership style to understand one thing: declaring loyalty now was foolish. Better to stay silent and reap the benefits, no matter who came out on top.
It was just a matter of which side offered more–nothing personal.
Nolan replied, voice cool and steady, “I appreciate the advice. But again, this is a family issue. Not company business.”
He firmly drew the line again.
But Tyson wasn’t done. “I’ve heard Mr. Hayes has been spending quite a bit of time with the Sue family’s young lady lately.”
That drew immediate reactions from the room.
“Mr. Hayes is getting close to the overseas Sue family’s heiress?”
“But she’s the Foster family’s fiancée!”
“Even if she’s from the Sue family, they have no real reach here in Westbrook. And she’s just an illegitimate child–hardly someone the Sue family would bend over backward for.”
The room buzzed with judgment.
First, Eliza was a well–known illegitimate daughter–born of a mistress. That alone was a strike against her. Second, the Sue family had no direct influence in Westbrook. Tristan, her brother, likely wouldn’t risk alienating the powerful Foster family just to protect her–especially if her relationship with Nolan led to a political rupture.
Third–and most important–Eliza was already engaged. And so was Nolan. If they got together, it would mean open conflict with the Foster family. Neither the Sue nor Foster families would support them, and the lucrative alliance with the Lynn family would be destroyed.
The cost of that relationship, both politically and financially, would be immense.
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