Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 437 All the shareholders seated around the conference table held a stake in the company-slarge, ssmall. Mila, as Montgomery Holdings' largest shareholder, took her place at the head of the table.

Only then did the meeting officially begin.

Things moved quickly. Most of Montgomery Holdings' business revolved around industrial operations, with steady partnerships and established resources. The board only needed to briefly review major projects like oil extraction, energy supply, and the company's overseas defense contracts.

Stability was the goal.

After each item was swiftly settled, Randall McKenna-a middle-aged man seated to Mila's left-finally spoke up, revealing the true purpose behind this meeting.

Research and development.

"Chairwoman Sutherland," he began, "Al-driven automation in heavy industry is the way of the future. Our subsidiary, Falcon Technologies, has already made significant progress in this area, but they're facing a funding shortfall. I propose we allocate five billion dollars to formally launch the project." Falcon Technologies.

A sudden hush fell over the room. Instinctively, all eyes drifted to Mila.

Falcon Technologies had always been a sensitive subject. It was established by the previous chairman, Lysander, in the face of strong opposition, as a tech- focused offshoot of the group. That alone was controversial enough, but what really set tongues wagging was the persistent rumor that Lysander had gifted the company to his notorious mistress-Giselle.

Originally, Lysander and Giselle were the majority shareholders in Falcon Technologies. Now that Lysander's shares had ended up in Mila's hands, Giselle remained the company's CEO.

It was all rather bizarre.

Ever since Mila's unexpected arrival a year ago and her rapid, iron-fisted restoration of order-the board couldn't help but notice echoes of Lysander in her style.

Both were ruthless when necessary.

But for all her decisiveness, Mila had never once moved against Giselle, despite the endless online gossip and the media's relentless digging. She simply ignored the notorious ex-mistress and let her be.

Scalled it restraint. Others wondered if it was something else.

Whatever the reason, the rest of the board, having witnessed Mila's methods firsthand, had learned to treat Falcon Technologies as if it didn't exist. The topic was quietly buried-until today, when Randall brought it up again.

And not just brought it up. He wanted a huge sum allocated to their new project. The room tensed, everyone sneaking sideways glances at the woman at the head of the table, her face unreadable.

Randall projected the proposal onto the big screen, calmly explaining how automation research would benefit the group. He emphasized that this was a vision Lysander had championed a legacy project, even.

He looked straight at Mila. "Chairwoman Sutherland, you understand how crucial this initiative is. Intelligent automation could revolutionize management in all our major industrial sectors-predicting machine failures, streamlining maintenance, reducing energy waste, improving safety and risk assessment... There's no downside." "We could always bring in outside partners, but no external team would be as trustworthy as our own R&D department. I hope, Chairwoman Sutherland, that you'll put aside any personal considerations and make a rational decision." The implication hung heavy in the air.

Mila, however, just smiled coolly. "Personal considerations? Mr. McKenna, you seem remarkably well-informed about my private life. Is there something I don't know? Perhaps you'd like to share the details with the rest of us?" Randall's brow furrowed.

Of course, he couldn't air such rumors in a formal meeting especially since none of it was proven. Still, he couldn't shake his suspicion: over the past year, Mila had shot down almost every Falcon Technologies proposal, even the solid ones. Surely, that suggested a personal bias? "Mr. McKenna," Mila interrupted, her tone crisp, have a technical background myself. I've personally evaluated Falcon Technologies' current team. The project idea has merit, but their R&D capabilities are limited. I don't believe they're up to the challenge of implementing intelligent automation on such a scale. If something goes wrong, it could jeopardize our ongoing operations." "If you can find a more capable team, I'd support the project. As it stands, I reject Falcon Technologies' proposal." "Let's put it to a vote." The directors exchanged uncertain looks. After a round of debate, the majority sided with Mila.

Randall's face darkened.

In just a year, Mila had secured control of over half the board's voting power. If she turned something down, it was as good as dead.

The meeting adjourned.

Back in her office, Mila finally turned to her assistant. "What's the story with Randall?"

Leonard, ever perceptive, answered immediately, "He's been in contact with Giselle lately-hot often, and I can't confirm it's connected to today's proposal." Mila nodded. "Keep an eye on them." Truthfully, Randall wasn't wrong. While Falcon Technologies' projects did have issues, Mila's decisions weren't entirely objective. Gisellwas trouble-she'd even been implicated in a murder-for-hire scheme. The entire Harvey family was a mess.

Mila was determined to keep the company far away from people like that.

Over the past year, she'd methodically isolated Falcon Technologies from the group, waiting e uptil she had hard evidence against the Harveys. Only then would she act-without risking the company's reputation. Montgomery Holdings was finally stable.

Affairs at Splendid, their UK branch, had taken longer for her to sort out, but things there were settling down as well. At last, she could turn her attention to these lingering old grudges.