Never Again Yours (Isadora and Magnus) novel Chapter 475

The Fitzgerald Group—a vast business empire—was hosting its annual consortium meeting today.

The headquarters’ conference room was enormous, easily accommodating close to a hundred people. One wall was dominated by three massive screens, seamlessly joined to create a single giant display that made every detail crisp and visible.

Today’s meeting brought together the Fitzgerald Group’s shareholders and a select group of esteemed elders, each a pillar of the company’s history. Most were over forty, with some well into their seventies.

Along one side of the room, nearly ten recordkeepers sat upright and attentive, poised to document every crucial detail as the meeting unfolded.

The atmosphere was solemn, almost oppressive.

Victor, dressed in a sharp black suit, sat at the head of the first row. His face was unreadable as he leafed through the stack of documents before him.

Virgil glanced at Victor in the main seat, then exchanged meaningful looks with several shareholders nearby, nodding subtly.

On stage, the Vice President had the floor, outlining the Fitzgerald Group’s financial performance for the year, followed by a presentation on the economic budget and strategic investment projects for the coming year.

As figures appeared on the screen, the shareholders and elders in the audience nodded with approval at the year’s profits and assets.

Then, from the third row, second seat, shareholder Maxwell raised his hand and stood, his eyes fixed on the numbers projected above.

“I’d like an explanation for the 15% decrease in overseas profits compared to last year.”

As soon as he spoke, everyone’s attention zeroed in on the negative fifteen percent.

The Vice President responded, “The overseas market has been impacted by unavoidable political and economic factors. Regarding the fifteen percent decline, Mr. Fitzgerald has already implemented corrective measures. We expect profits to return to normal next year, so there’s no cause for concern.”

Maxwell met Victor’s sharp, commanding stare, the quiet authority radiating from the man forcing him to lower his eyes.

“I did,” Maxwell admitted, “but the amount was less than in previous years. As a representative of the shareholders, I’m raising a formal objection.”

“Is that so?”

Victor’s faint, cold chuckle sent a chill through the room. Just those two words made Maxwell’s nerves fray, his voice trembling. “Y-yes, of course.”

Victor tilted his chin slightly.

Kemp, standing nearby, took the cue. He handed the file to the Vice President, who promptly uploaded it to the big screen for everyone to see.