It was a suggestion that was beneficial to the majority, and naturally, most agreed. The only person that would disagree would be the CEO, as they would not be able to have complete authority.

Ben Johnson watched Nicolas and narrowed his eyes as if he was thinking hard. "I disagree. I think the ritual we have is great. It's much easier to manage the company. There will be unnecessary fights and arguments within the board of directors. It will be more direct and efficient."

​​

Nicolas had thought it over before the meeting, and he had decided to stand his ground. "If the CEO is also the president, supervision can't take place. Think about the previous CEO, Frank Carter. We can't afford to make the same mistake."

"I agree with Nicolas. It's better to have a CEO and a president separately, so they share the supervision over the company."

"I agree."

"I agree."

"I also agree. We shall learn from past mistakes." The shareholders chorused, including Maria. She wasn't sure what Ben was planning, but she didn't like the idea of him having the total authority and making all the decisions.

Ben didn't like the reaction of the shareholders. He turned to Nathalia, who had remained silent. "What do you think, Miss Nathalia Carter?"

Nathalia looked at Ben steadily, then glanced around the desk at every shareholder. She said confidently, "I don't think one individual should hold the positions of both the Chief Executive Officer and President. When Frank Carter was the CEO as well as the president, he had the sole right to make all the decisions, and the BOD had no say at all. And now, see where it has taken us."

Richard suggested, "Let's vote then."

There was a malicious look on Ben's face. He wanted to say something but decided not to voice his anger. Though he had most of the shares, he was not able to win against the rest of the shareholders. He had not expected this coming.

The result was predictable. Ben was the only one that voted against the proposal. As the eldest and most experienced shareholder present, Nicolas was chairing the meeting. He stood up and announced, "The positions of CEO and president will be held by two individuals." That's better for the shareholders. At least we will have a say to a certain point.

Ben bit his lips and looked obviously unhappy about it.

Nathalia watched him and thought, whatever intention he is here with, we can at least let him know that he doesn't just come here to claim the company.

This was, of course, Nathalia's plan. She had spoken to the shareholders and had it arranged. Ben Johnson, you are meant to be my enemy, and I have no sympathy for any of my enemies.

Nicolas looked around the shareholders and continued, "Now we will elect the president first. Everyone is welcome to recommend someone or themselves."

One of the shareholders voiced himself first, "Mr. Ben Johnson has 33% of the shares, more than anyone, so naturally, he should be the president."

Richard jumped in instantly, protesting, "Miss Nathalia Carter has 15% of the shares. She is competent and smart. I highly recommend Miss Nathalia Carter."

"I will vote for Mr. Johnson."

"Miss Nathalia Carter."

Different voices filled the room. Ben was checking his phone as the shareholders fought between him and Nathalia. Suddenly, he stood up and said with a gracefully sly smile, "Please be quiet. I think Miss Nathalia Carter should be the president."

Everyone went quiet, shocked. All eyes fell on Ben and Nathalia. "Huh?"

"Why?" Maria asked first.

Ben looked at Nathalia affectionately and said gently, "I trust Nathalia. She is competent and smart, like Richard said. I'm sure she will be a great president."

The shareholders looked at each other and thought naïvely; it looks like he still has feelings for her.

"Well, that's sorted then. It's much better, isn't it? We all agree. No more arguments." A shareholder said, rather delightedly.

Nathalia sat quietly and let the shareholders voice their thoughts. She looked relaxed as if everything was under her control.

When everyone had come to the conclusion that Ben was cooperative and the decision had pretty much been made, Nathalia said, wearing a mockery on her face, "Mr. Johnson has his reason, but it's not because he trusts me. It's because he's aiming to be the CEO instead."

It's true!

That's what it is!

He's calculating! Why didn't I think of that?

He's got a reputation, hasn't he?! Think about what he has done. Of course. Perhaps the shareholder is another lonely rich Mrs. that he is dating.

Ben was a bit taken aback, but he managed not to show it. He smiled and defended himself, "Those that are competent do. I believe that I'm competent for the position, and naturally, I shall take it. Nathalia, you are not even twenty yet and will be the president of an established company, possibly the youngest one ever. Young and talented. I believe that if we work together, we will be able to solve the problems easily and make the company successful."

He showed his confidence in himself and at the same time expressed his praise for Nathalia affectionately as if he was still in love with her. The shareholders watched and were puzzled. He seems to have feelings for her still. However, when they looked at Nathalia, they couldn't guess what Nathalia was thinking at all. She looked impressively, calm, and indifferent.

Finally, Richard asked the question that was in everyone's mind. "Miss Nathalia Carter, what do you think?"

Nathalia looked up, smiled at Richard, and looked at Ben into his eyes. She said, "Mr. Ben Johnson can be the CEO if he wants, but there are two conditions. Number one, if any project or anyone needs over one million dollars, it's up to the BOD to decide. Number two, the company needs to make an increased profit of fifty percent next year."

The shareholders nodded in agreement, amazed by Nathalia's thoughtfulness and tactics. How can someone so young be so clever?

"I agree. Miss Nathalia Carter has very good points."

"I agree too. Miss Nathalia Carter has considered the benefits of all of us."

"Exactly. I totally agree."

"Yes. It makes sense. This is a test to see if our new CEO is truly competent."

For the shareholders, it was the safest and most beneficial solution.

Everyone was pleased with the proposal, except for Ben Johnson. He was stunned. I can never underestimate her. She's too smart.

"What do you think, Mr. Johnson?" Nathalia asked casually.

"Well, I..." Ben had predicted various scenarios and thought over the ways to handle each one, confident that he would get what he wanted. He had not expected such a challenge from Nathalia.

A sneer appeared on Nathalia's face, a sneer of mockery and disdain. "If you don't have the guts, you don't have to take the challenge, or if you can't decide, why don't you give your boss a call? We can wait."