Several directors nodded subtly.

"And then there’s the warehouse fire incident," another director continued. "Most of the backlash is coming from the working class. Blackwood Dominion has always promoted itself as a company that values inclusivity and fairness."

He folded his arms.

"Yes, the deceased employee may have been partially responsible, but driving the family to bankruptcy was unnecessarily ruthless. It damaged public trust and escalated the controversy."

The implication was obvious.

Alexander’s handling of the matter was considered excessively harsh.

Especially since another employee connected to the incident still hadn’t been found, causing the investigation to stall further.

"Inclusivity?" another board member scoffed coldly. "A leader should be capable of compromise. Someone who listens to different perspectives and finds solutions that satisfy all parties."

His tone sharpened.

"We cannot have a CEO who acts entirely on personal judgment. The shareholders and board members are the true owners of this company. The CEO answers to us."

"Blackwood Dominion has expanded steadily for years," another director said. "Our priority now should be stabilizing our current business sectors—not recklessly pushing into renewable energy projects."

"I disagree," another director interjected immediately. "Green energy is the future. Government policies are already shifting toward renewable industries. If we hesitate now, competitors will overtake us."

"That sounds ideal in theory," Miles replied calmly. "But if the project were truly that promising, larger corporations would have entered the market already."

He leaned back slightly.

"Entering too early carries enormous risk. And if the investment fails, perhaps Blackwood Dominion survives..." His eyes narrowed. "But our smaller suppliers certainly won’t."

The room fell silent again.

Finally, another director spoke up.

"I’ll be honest," he said plainly. "As long as shareholder interests are protected, I don’t particularly care who sits in the CEO position."

His gaze swept across the table slowly.

"My only concern is that any leadership changes are made for the company’s benefit... not because of someone’s personal agenda or power struggle."

The tension in the room instantly deepened.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" someone asked sharply.

As the discussion continued growing more heated, Alexander finally leaned back in his chair, lazily tapping his fingers against the armrest. The silver gleam of his watch reflected faintly beneath the conference room lights.

"Enough."

His calm voice instantly cut through the noise.

"Let me speak."

The boardroom fell silent.

Every gaze turned toward him.

Alexander’s expression remained composed as he slowly glanced around the room.

"I’ve served as the CEO of Blackwood Dominion Enterprises for five years," he began calmly. "I won’t claim that I’ve never made mistakes. But throughout those years, I’ve done my best to live up to my grandparents’ expectations and ensure the company continued to grow under my leadership."

No one interrupted him.

"In the early stages of my career, people already formed their opinions about me," Alexander continued evenly. "I’ve never been someone who bows to public opinion, nor do I believe leadership should be dictated by temporary emotions."

His voice remained calm, yet every word carried weight.

"A true leader requires foresight to manage the bigger picture, judgment to assess situations accurately, courage to make difficult decisions, and the ability to unite opposing interests in order to move a company forward."

He paused briefly.

"Whether it’s innovation or internal reform, both are necessary for long-term growth."

The atmosphere in the room subtly shifted.

"However..." Alexander’s gaze swept across the board members. "Since all of you are gathered here today, it’s clear our views on the company’s future no longer align."

His tone remained indifferent.

"If that’s the case, then there’s no reason to continue forcing cooperation."

Several directors frowned slightly.

Then Alexander spoke the words no one had truly expected.

"Effective immediately, I am resigning from my position as CEO and General Manager of Blackwood Dominion Enterprises."

The boardroom instantly fell into stunned silence.

Even Miles Harper’s expression stiffened briefly.

"Although we’ve had disagreements over the years," Alexander continued calmly, "I still want to thank everyone here for your support and trust."

For the first time during the meeting, the coldness around him softened slightly.

"And as the new year approaches, I’ll also be becoming a father."

Several board members looked visibly surprised.

"With my wife expecting, I intend to spend more time with my family."

The room remained silent for several seconds.

Finally, one of the directors spoke cautiously.

"We all understand how important your position is to Blackwood Dominion, CEO Alexander Blackwood. Please don’t make emotional decisions impulsively. I believe the board should hold a formal vote before—"

"There’s no need."

Alexander calmly stood up, his chair sliding backward softly against the floor.

"I’ve already submitted my written resignation to the board by email."

His tone was steady and absolute.

"Please complete the approval process, conduct the necessary audits, and appoint a new CEO according to company procedure. I’ll cooperate fully during the transition period."

The finality in his voice stunned everyone.

Only then did many of the board members realize— 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Alexander had already made his decision long before entering the meeting room.

Some directors became uneasy.

Others immediately began calculating how the upcoming leadership change would affect their own interests.

"As for who becomes the next CEO..." Alexander said calmly as he adjusted his cufflinks, "I’m sure all of you already have someone in mind."

His eyes briefly swept across Miles Harper.

"So I won’t interfere."

With that, he turned and walked toward the exit.

The boardroom remained eerily silent after he left.

Miles Harper was the first to recover.

"The CEO position cannot remain vacant for long," he said immediately. "For the stability of the company, we need to appoint a successor as soon as possible."

He looked around the table.

"I nominate Mr.—"

Alexander had already walked out before hearing the name.

The moment he stepped outside the conference room, he saw two familiar figures approaching.

Tristin Blackwood.

And Daniel Caldwell.

Alexander’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.

Tristin was a distant cousin of Alexander who was managing another branch of the company abroad.

In truth, he had already seen through everything long ago.

Tristin and Daniel had secretly been working together, gradually acquiring company shares behind the scenes. Alexander only discovered the full extent of their intentions after tracing the warehouse fire incident back to them.

But by then...

He had already decided something else.

He wanted to spend more time with Alicia.

So he let them proceed.

Daniel stopped in front of him, a mocking smile tugging at his lips.

"Look who finally got stripped of his power," he said sarcastically. "I warned you to be careful, didn’t I?"

Alexander didn’t respond.

He simply reached out and lightly patted Tristin on the shoulder.

Tristin froze slightly.

"I’ll leave it to you now," Alexander said calmly.

Then he walked past them without sparing Daniel another glance.

Tristin stared after him in confusion.

For years, he had dreamed of taking Alexander’s position.

So why...

Why did Alexander look completely indifferent?