No Strings Attached

lan sat in the conference room, listening silently as the shareholders listed all his alleged faults. It was his idea to shift the company's focus from traditional industries to technology. In the early years, as the digital era brought numerous benefits, these shareholders made a fortune. Now that there were issues, they were ready to place all the blame on him. Fair-weather friends, indeed.

A man of the Hayes family stood up and said, "Putting aside what contributions or harm lan has brought to the company, the mere fact that he wasn't born to the legitimate wife of the Hayes family goes against our ancestral traditions. Therefore, he's unfit for the CEO position. Teo, I had to do this."

Teo scoffed, "Do you not remember how much money lan has made for you all these years with Hayes Corporation under his management? Without his tireless effort, would you be enjoying your current prosperity?

The matter regarding Leonora is still under investigation. Regardless of who she is or whether lan is her son, he is MY son. If you aim to oust him, don't blame me for turning my back on you!"Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

"But the traditions of our family cannot be broken. Once lan's status is confirmed, he must step down. There's no precedent for a child born out of wedlock in the Hayes family."

"Traditions are made by people. If they can be established, they can be broken. I've long been displeased with these outdated views," Teo retorted, his face red with anger.

lan had worked so hard from the beginning. To transition the company, he and his team delved deep into semiconductor technology. In less than five years, he successfully transitioned most of the Hayes Corporation's traditional industries.

By integrating technology into declining real estate, tourism, and hospitality sectors, he managed to increase the company's earnings exponentially each year. Hayes Corporation might have fallen into decline without his timely shift in focus.

Thinking of this, Teo felt a deep pain in his chest.

One woman, Leonora, had caused his family to fall apart, and now his son was being accused of being an illegitimate child.

Teo felt so aggrieved he could hardly breathe.

Just then, an old shareholder

presented a paternity test report. Smiling, he said, "This is the

paternity test result for Brodie and Teo. He is the son of Katherine and Teo, which means he should be the rightful heir to the Hayes family. I believe his capabilities are exceptional, and he's no less competent than lan in handling matters. Teo, they're both your sons, so it shouldn't matter who becomes the CEO of the company, right?"

This statement caused an uproar.

"If that's the case, Teo, why are you still upset? They're both your sons. What's the difference between choosing Brodie or lan? Or do you not acknowledge Brodie and only see lan as your son?"

"It shouldn't be like this. I heard that

Brodie and his mother were persecuted by Leonora for many years, suffering greatly. In contrast lan was raised as the heir all these years Now that Brodie's been acknowledged by the Hayes family, he deserves some form of compensation. Otherwise, as his relatives, we would feel you're being biased."

"I think this outcome is for the best. Both men are capable and fit to take on the role of CEO at Hayes

Corporation. Teo, why are you

hesitating? Just choose Brodie net

You

won't break the family's traditions, and your son becomes the CEO. Isn't it Rilling two birds with one stone?"

Teo was stuck in a difficult position.

Agreeing with everyone would be unfair to lan. Disagreeing would mean he didn't acknowledge Brodie.