Substitute Wife For The Blind CEO

Chapter 35: Face Slapping

Thirty minutes later, Naomi returned to Stefan’s office, her steps uncertain, a deep frown carved across her usually composed face.

Ruby noticed immediately. "Naomi? What’s wrong?"

Naomi hesitated for a beat before answering, her voice low and worried. "Mr. Winters... there’s a board meeting happening right now. I overheard in the hallway—it’s being led by your uncle and a few of the board members."

Stefan’s jaw tightened at her words. His fingers stilled against the armrest of his chair, the slow drumming ceasing entirely.

"Richard," he muttered, his voice edged with frustration.

Ruby turned to him, her brows knitted together. "I’m sure it’s because of the conference. How could Richard be doing this at this time," she said, trying not to get upset.

Stefan didn’t answer right away. He didn’t have to as even he was already getting angry at Richard.

Half of the board supported Richard Winters and that was why Richard would always try to discredit him whenever he encountered any difficulty.

They had always been a quiet majority—watching, waiting, never overtly rebellious, but their loyalty to Richard was no secret in the upper floors of Winters Corp after the death of Stefan’s father.

Ruby stepped closer, lowering her voice. "What do we do now?"

Stefan’s expression was unreadable. "Nothing. I wasn’t invited to the meeting, which means they don’t want me there. And I’m not about to barge into something they didn’t intend for me to attend. Or maybe I will, when the time for face slapping comes. Too bad I wouldn’t be able to see their faces."

Just then, the office door slammed open with full force.

Everyone jolted slightly as Mr. Sherlock stormed in, his face flushed with anger and disbelief. "What the hell was that stunt you pulled? A press conference?" he barked, voice echoing through the room. "You’re playing a dangerous game, Stefan."

even. "You and I both know it wasn’t a stunt. You’re here because you’ve seen

Sherlock stopped in his tracks, chest heaving slightly. He didn’t respond right away, but the fire in his eyes slowly dimmed, his posture

he had seen it, hence he had come running

for a moment, thick and

his voice more composed now. "You’re

without hesitation. "We wouldn’t be at this point if you had shown up to

up. I shouldn’t have ignored your invite. I just thought the construction company had it under control without having me involved. But clearly... they didn’t. I really can’t afford

Stefan intently as he leaned forward. He already knew Mr Sherlock would come running here if he saw that clause.

well, except you’re getting the construction company to do it with immediate effect," Stefan said flatly. "You’ll get the construction company to meet the workers’ demands—wages, safety equipment, proper hours. All of it. They’re your workers

a press conference. No excuses, no justifications. You’ll acknowledge your failings and promise

him, eyes wide. "You’re not leaving

replied. "Not when lives were

slowly, clearly weighing his options. After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright. I’ll

single nod of approval.

up again, smoothing the front of his coat. "I know there’s unrest in the company. The board must be restless

you come with me to their meeting. Show them the matter has

want me

put this to rest—for

before she gently led him toward the door. Mr. Sherlock followed behind, a

boardroom, murmurs echoed in the hallway. Naomi trailed behind

Richard was at the head of the table, gesturing animatedly as several board members nodded in

still as the door opened and Stefan walked in,

sharp.