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."

Calmly, he turned toward the man, voice low and even. "You and I both know it wasn’t a

respond right

he had seen it, hence he had come running here to stop the

between them for a moment, thick and tense as Mr Sherlock pulled a

asked, his voice more composed now. "You’re

wouldn’t be at this point if you had shown up to the

hands. "Look... I messed up. I shouldn’t have ignored your invite. I just thought the construction company had it under control without having me involved. But

leaned forward. He already knew Mr Sherlock would come running

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 whether indirectly as much

apologize publicly. In a press conference. No excuses, no justifications. You’ll acknowledge

eyes wide. "You’re not leaving

replied. "Not when

exhaled slowly, clearly weighing his options. After a long pause, he nodded. "Alright.

a single nod of approval.

"I know

Stefan said simply. "Which is why I think it’s best if you come with me to their meeting. Show them the matter has been

Sherlock blinked in surprise. "You want me

"Let’s put this to rest—for

help before she gently led

boardroom, murmurs echoed in the hallway. Naomi trailed behind them quietly, alert but respectful

the boardroom, the meeting had grown heated. Richard was at the head of the table, gesturing animatedly

as the door opened and Stefan walked in, Ruby beside him and

sharp. "This is