Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby
Chapter 170: The New Beginning

Chapter 170: The New Beginning

When the shareholders heard Julian’s speech, they were left in awe. None of them had imagined that the company’s founder had such a mighty background. But it wasn’t their fault.

From the beginning, Esmeralda had worked hard to separate her business from her political family. She had fled to Manchester to start her own venture, defying her family, who strongly opposed her ambition. In the early days, she had to raise funds from others, which was why... even as founder, she only held 35% of the shares.

She had never told anyone about her background, fearing that if her father discovered her activities, he would interfere with her dream. Even on her deathbed, she didn’t call her father or her family. She requested her closest friends to keep her situation secret... even from her own daughter.

Elliot Grant and the other founding shareholders honoured that request for many years. But now, it was Eleanor who had persuaded them to involve the Langford family in EverBuild’s business. Under her careful planning, today’s meeting had been arranged to take over the company and lead it down a new path.

William Whitmore, overwhelmed by the spectacle, stood silently to one side. The revelation of Esmeralda’s background had shaken him to the core. He had served as Esmeralda’s secretary before her death for a long time, but she had never mentioned any family. He had always assumed she had no family left. That belief was the foundation of his scheme to take over the company all those years ago.

Now, for the first time in years, he feared for his life.

Julian continued, "Some of us were aware of her background, and we also knew that this small company in Manchester would hardly interest her powerful family. After our founder’s untimely passing, they never claimed a penny of profit from EverBuild. But now, with the company on the brink of bankruptcy, we had no choice but to seek their support.

"A few days ago, our co-founders contacted the founder’s daughter to request her help. As you all know, she still holds 35% of the company’s shares under her name. Though she has never taken any profits, her ownership was never in question."

He paused and glanced respectfully at Eleanor before continuing.

"Upon hearing about our situation, and to save her mother’s creation, Lady Eleanor Langford decided to step in. She has now transferred all the shares under her name to the Langford Estate. Thus, the mighty Langford family has become the owner of EverBuild... and we have the honour of His Lordship’s presence today."

He turned to the assembly. "Now, I humbly request Lady Eleanor Langford to share her instructions with us."

There was a microphone in front of Eleanor on the table. She adjusted it slightly and began to speak:

"Thank you all... for your blood, sweat, and years of commitment to the company my mother built. Without your dedication, EverBuild would have ceased to exist long ago. On behalf of the Langford family, I personally thank all shareholders, directors, employees, business partners, and well-wishers for their support through the years. I hope you will continue that support in the years ahead."

She paused, scanning the room where everyone sat quietly, fully absorbed in her words.

"Now that the company has come under the Langford Estate," she continued, "you will find it easier to restore EverBuild to its former glory."

After a moment’s pause, she added, "I have already discussed with those present on the stage, and we have decided to appoint a new chairman for the company from within the Langford family. As you know, my granduncle Lord Walter Langford will continue his duty to the Kingdom, and I also have several other businesses to lead. So, we have decided to appoint Graham Langford as chairman of EverBuild."

She nodded briefly to Walter, then addressed the crowd again.

"Graham Langford is currently overseas, attending to an urgent matter. He will formally assume his duties next week."

Her expression turned more serious as she said, "However, this time, we will separate the board from the company’s daily operations. The board has already selected a new CEO who will be tasked with bringing EverBuild back on track. I hope you will support her leadership and work with her to take this company to new heights."

With that, Eleanor leaned back in her seat. Apart from a few stunned individuals, the room erupted into applause. The majority of shareholders welcomed the changes with enthusiasm and relief.

Meanwhile, William Whitmore stepped forward towards the centre of the stage, his eyes fixed on Eleanor. A guard moved to block him, but Eleanor raised her hand, signalling for them to let him pass. As he approached, she calmly turned off the microphone in front of her. Following her lead, the others on the platform also switched off theirs.

Julian took the moment and announced from the podium, "Thank you, Her Ladyship, for your encouraging words. Now, it is time to introduce our new CEO. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... Miss Francesca Walters."

All eyes turned towards the entrance.

From the same doorway entered a confident, middle-aged woman dressed in a sleek black business suit. She carried a folder in one hand, her posture poised, professional. Her short golden hair gave her a distinctive, sharp look. Immediately, many of the shareholders recognised her... her face had appeared on television interviews, and her name had made headlines in financial pages for years.

"Oh my God! Is that really The Francesca Walters?"

"Of course it is. Didn’t you hear the announcement?"

"I heard... but still. Can you believe she’s going to be EverBuild’s new CEO? Nothing can stop this company now."

"Yes, I agree with you."

"But how? I heard she resigned from Rolls-Royce just a few days ago. I never imagined she’d come to work for a company this small. I still can’t believe it."

"Hush! Let’s hear what Mr Rivers is saying."

The crowd began whispering amongst themselves in hushed voices. All were stunned by the announcement, and even more so by the woman standing right in front of them.

Julian, unfazed by the murmuring, continued his speech. "Many of you already know her. She’s the unbeaten queen of the business world. I understand that many of you are shocked to see her here. But what’s even more surprising is that, at the request of the Langford family, she resigned from Rolls-Royce solely to join our company."

By this time, Francesca had already reached the podium. Julian smiled and said, "I won’t take any more of your time. Let’s hear directly from Miss Francesca Walters. Ladies and gentlemen, please give her a big round of applause."

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause. Julian, having delivered the perfect distraction, stepped back and returned to his seat.

Francesca stood confidently behind the podium and adjusted the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with this company, which holds such a long-standing legacy in this region. When Her Ladyship asked me to take up the position of CEO, she told me the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. I was a little offended."

She paused with a playful smile. "But let’s be honest... who in this Kingdom has the courage to outright reject the request of a Lord?"

The crowd burst into laughter, and even a few smiles appeared among the board members.

She continued, "After that, I started looking into the company’s background and history, and I became truly interested. Then, I asked the only question that really matters when dealing with a company on its last legs... what about the funding? Her Ladyship confirmed that I could access any amount needed from the banks, with the Langford family acting as guarantor. At that point, I agreed without hesitation. I enjoy new challenges, and this one felt just right."

As Francesca spoke, another drama was quietly unfolding on the stage.

Now with permission, William approached Eleanor. A guard stepped forward, but Eleanor raised her hand slightly to allow him through. She then calmly switched off her microphone. Seeing her action, the others on the stage followed suit and turned off theirs as well.

William stood before Eleanor and said, "You can’t do this to me. I worked hard to bring this company to where it is now. I can make it profitable again. This is the only business I’ve ever had. Please... don’t remove me from my position."

Unlike before, William’s voice was calm and respectful. The presence of a high-ranking Lord and armed guards left no room for arrogance. The usual authority he used to flaunt around Eleanor for years had vanished. Now that he knew of her noble lineage, his tone was humbled.

Seeing Eleanor remain silent in response, William pressed further.

"No matter what happened between us in the past, I’m still your father. Now that you’ve found your mother’s powerful family... that’s good. But don’t be so ruthless as to destroy my only source of income. How will I survive without this company? I’ve given my whole life to it. You can’t be this cruel to your own father. The gods will not forgive you. Please, give me my position back."

His voice took on a righteous tone as he finished his plea.

At that very moment, Julian’s voice rang through the hall, announcing the name of the new CEO.

William turned instinctively towards the door, and what he saw left him speechless.

"How... how could it be?" he whispered in disbelief.

He turned to Eleanor, eyes wide, heart pounding... but she didn’t say a word. Instead, she calmly reached for an envelope and handed it to him.

William opened it with trembling fingers and removed the paper inside. As he read the contents, his legs gave way beneath him.

And he collapsed on the floor.