The room fell silent at Benson’s words. Then, wan applause followed.
The lower–level employees might look down of me and think I was just the Layton family’s spineless lapdog, but the upper management valued me.
The reason was simple: whoever made them mony was the one who mattered.
In the past, though I was just a secretary and the company’s director, I was in charge of making all decisions. This appointment didn’t matter much and just made things official.
To me, the impact was minimal, and the only difference was that Camille was now my subordinate.
“What did you just say, Dad? Are you making me the deputy CEO and him the CEO? I’ll never agree to that!” Camille slammed her hands on the table and shot to her feet.
“This is a decision made by the board, and your opinion alone doesn’t count. Are there any other objections to this appointment?” Benson gave his disappointing daughter a dismissive glance and shut her down with a few words.
“No objections. We’ve all seen what Max is capable of.”
“That’s right. He should’ve been in this position long ago.”
Those words made Camille’s expression even more sour.
I took a deep breath and got up. “Mr. Layton and all members of the board, I’m young and inexperienced, so I may not be suited for this position.”
I would leave in ten or so more days. So, why would I want the CEO’s position right now?
Was Benson trying to trap me by giving me this position? He must have underestimated me.
“Well said! You’re not qualified to be the CEO! You’re just a lapdog raised by the Laytons, so how could you try to lord over your owner?”
Camille jumped in with excitement. This was probably the first time she’d ever supported. something I said.
Too bad her goal was to belittle me, while mine was to leave the Layton family. What a fool.
“You don’t have to feel pressured or burdened, Max. As long as you’re employed here, give your best to the company even if it’s for just one day.
“The board believes in you, so just give it a try.
“If it doesn’t work out, we’ll just revisit the decision.”
Benson knew exactly what I was thinking, and with those words, he left me no reason to turn
it down.
He was right, I should commit to my duty till the last moment, even If it were just for a single
day.
That should be the mindset of a responsible employee, and it was also how I’d always done. things.
“Alright then.” I nodded.
“You-
“Meeting adjourned,” Benson said, cutting off Camille before she could speak.
Right after, he made a big show of relocating Camille from the biggest chairman’s office to the deputy CEO’s next door.
“Max, from now on, you’re the company’s CEO, and Camille is your subordinate. She no longer has any authority over you in both public and private settings.
“Don’t go easy on her or tolerate her nonsense. Just remember one thing–don’t let anything people say affect you. You’re the CEO of Layton Group and the most acknowledged member of the board.”
Benson clapped me on the shoulder with a smile, but I knew he was trying to offer another favor. He wasn’t directly asking me to stay, but every single word he said implied it.
“Mr. Layton, about my contract-”
“I know. Just keep going for now.” He cut me off before turning to leave.
I sighed. There were times when a man could survive hell, but the heavens ruined him. Right now, I understood that all too well.
Benson had barely left before Camille stormed into my office. Her expression was twisted in mockery and disdain as she said, “Oh my, if it isn’t Mr. Wexler?
“So, how comfortable does that chair feel? Do you like it?
“You must feel exhilarated now, don’t you?”
