A Replacement Bride

John glared at Joaquin sharply, like he was furious, but his son wasn't even fazed. Joaquin knew his father would bring this up.
This whole fiasco was only a show to force Joaquin to be the bridge between W Co. and Levisay Group. They thought he would
do it to keep his shares.
Before he could say anything, John noted tersely, "I know you don't want to lose your shares, and I don't wish to see that happen
either. If you can bring profit to the company, I can let you off the hook. We wish to have a part in one of W Co.'s projects. If you
can take it for us, it'll be great for the company's future, and you can keep your shares. That's not all; if you can take the project
and form a partnership with us and W Co., I can offer you a position in the company, and you'll be among the top brass. That's a
good idea, isn't it?"
Amused, Joaquin wanted to laugh. He hung his head low, and his shoulders bobbed. He looked like he had just heard the best
joke in the world.
However, the other shareholders wondered what he was doing, and John frowned. "This is serious. Why are you laughing?"
Soon, Joaquin's smile disappeared, but there was mockery in his eyes. "Something I heard was amusing."
John narrowed his eyes in response. "What is?"
"You. You're a joke," Joaquin said curtly.
John shot up, his eyes filled with rage, and he slammed his hand on the table. "Watch your tongue, boy! You're talking to me."
Then, Joaquin cocked his eyebrow, but he didn't stand down. He was still looking nonchalant. "I know who you are, of course.
The famous, prideful, proud president of Levisay Group. I don't understand how naive you can be as an experienced
businessman. Do you think the company can take over W Co.'s project as it is? It's laughable. Even if I were to present the
project to you, Levisay Group could never get a single cent of profit from it. No, in fact, this project will be its death knell."
John was surprised by that, and everyone was confused by his statements.
"H-How so?" someone asked.
Furious, John roared, "Nonsense! We're the top corporation in Hovington! Who else can take the project but us? Our partnership
is the best deal on the table and will not impede the company's growth! Are you trying to curse us? You think I can let you handle
any projects as you are right now?"

Joaquin sneered at his remarks. There was no need to be courteous any longer, and he tossed a file over to John. "I bet you
have no idea what's happening with your company. Here, check it out. See how your most trusted allies have taken the
company's assets bit by bit."
Everyone was flabbergasted, including John. He was in a daze for moments, then when he snapped out of it, he turned his
attention to the file. A moment of hesitation later, he picked it up, looking grim. He then took the documents out and skimmed
through them. When he saw the content, his face turned black as coal.
At that moment, Joaquin watched him in silence, and he smiled. "I see you have no idea about all these things. You call yourself
the company's leader and have no idea what your subordinates are doing. That is a fatal flaw in the company. Mr. Levisay, the
company has not regressed under your leadership, but it is no longer as powerful as it was during Grandpa's tenure. Haven't you
wondered why? Maybe it's you."
Angrily, John gnashed his teeth, and he roared, "What do you want?"
Joaquin cocked his eyebrow in response. "Smart. That is but a copy of the original document. I have more. If you don't want the
company, or you for that matter, to fall, you should step down as president and hand over the position to someone else. Being a
chairman has its perks, you know. You wouldn't lose any fame or renown and wouldn't have to be concerned about the company.
All you have to do is sit at home, and we'll pay you dividends. Good choice, isn't it?"
"N-No, that's not great at all!"
John's supporters eventually spoke up after hearing those remarks.
"Yeah! Mr. Levisay is in his best years. He can't retreat like that. What are you doing, Joaquin?"
"He's been the one holding the company together all these years. You can't just tell him to resign because you have some
papers in your hand."
Joaquin looked at them as they kept attacking him, then he smiled. "Ah, you guys still don't understand what this file means.
Fine, I'll explain." He looked around coolly and continued, "Within these files is the evidence of your wrongdoings. These acts of
wrongdoing are enough to warrant an arrest and jail time of... Probably a decade or two. As the company's leader, Mr. Levisay
will also be arrested. Once your deeds go public, the company will be locked down, and you and Mr. Levisay will be taken in for
questioning. Then, it's time for your verdict."

Everyone was shaken by the statements and turned their eyes to John, asking him to confirm if it was true. Nonetheless, John's
face was black as coal, and he glared angrily at Joaquin. Through gritted teeth, he hissed, "Where did you find these?" These
files are confidential, and they suffice as evidence of their deeds. There's no way he could've found this unless... He has allies in
this company! Then, he shot all the shareholders with a sharp look, trying to see through them. Some stared at him in disbelief,
but some remained seated and calm like they weren't involved.