The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 230

The CEO, Travis Lambert, took the floor. "Then allow me to say a few words."

Caden glanced at him and gave a slight nod, a silent, confident understanding passing between them.

Travis opened the folder in front of him and spoke clearly. "Renova Biosciences presents severe risks regarding inaccurate information disclosure. There are multiple anomalies in the pre-clinical data of their core pipeline, and the founder's academic credentials are highly questionable. I suggest we pause this investment entirely."

The boardroom went dead silent.

Caden stared at Travis as if looking at a complete stranger. Clearly, Travis's statement was the exact opposite of what they had agreed upon.

Refusing to look at him, Travis continued, "Furthermore, regarding Director Sigrid Sloan, who took it upon herself to accept media interviews on behalf of Celestial Capital before any investment decision had been finalized..." He paused. "I suggest we suspend her from all duties immediately."

The boardroom erupted.

People were whispering frantically to each other. Some leaned back, crossing their arms, ready for the drama to unfold.

Everyone knew Sigrid was Caden's protégé. Travis's statement wasn't a suggestion; it was a declaration of war.

Sitting to Caden's left, Sigrid gripped her pen so tightly her knuckles turned white.

From the gallery, Lavinia watched the chaos at the center of the room, lost in thought. Beside her, Ethan nudged her with his elbow.

"A masterclass in corporate warfare, Lavinia."

Lavinia didn't reply.

Caden stood up, his voice dropping to a dangerous register. "Mr. Lambert, the stance you're taking today completely contradicts what we discussed prior to this meeting. What is this? Are you trying to cut me out?"

Travis offered a cool smile. "I am simply protecting the investors' interests."

"The investors?" Caden sneered. "You're just a professional manager, Travis. I am the one who represents the investors."

A voice suddenly cut through from the boardroom doors.

"Not anymore."

The doors swung open, and a young man strode in.

He wore a three-piece suit and silver-rimmed glasses, his features sharp and refined. He didn't flaunt his authority, but his sheer presence commanded the room.

The murmuring in the boardroom was instantly snuffed out.

Caden was stunned.

"Mr. Roche? What are you doing here?"

Lucian Roche didn't answer. He took the center seat at the head of the table and dropped a document flat on the wood.

"A resolution from the family office. Effective immediately, Travis Lambert will assume the role of Chairman of Celestial Capital. Caden Coleman, you are fired."

Caden froze on the spot. His hand was still resting on the back of his chair; he neither lowered it nor sat down.

"Let Sigrid Sloan serve as a cautionary tale."

Nobody dared to speak.

Lucian adjusted his cuffs, turned, and walked toward the exit.

As he passed Lavinia, he stopped.

"Lavinia."

Taken by surprise, Lavinia slowly stood up.

Lucian extended his hand. She looked at him.

His eyes were calm and steady behind his silver-rimmed glasses.

She reached out and shook his hand.

"Take care," Lucian said.

He released her hand, turned, and walked out of the room.

The boardroom exploded. Voices crashed in from every direction, the noise rising like a boiling pot.

Travis stood up and slapped his folder shut. "Meeting adjourned."