"These are the latest operating data for the group’s core sectors—high-end manufacturing and new energy business; orders are stable, and the technical barriers remain. This is our assessment of cash flow and risk reserve..."

He used data that was as objective as possible, trying to put the board members at ease.

"Regarding the Gu Group becoming the second-largest shareholder and joining the board,"

Mason’s gaze swept over Ethan once again, his tone calm.

"We respect market rules and the shareholders' choices. I believe that Mr. Gu’s joining can inject more vitality into our group. A joint enterprise between the two families will be an force to be reckoned with."

Hearing this, Ethan let out a scoff that caught everyone’s attention.

He did not stand up, merely speaking in his calm, unruffled voice, slow and deliberate:

"Mason put it very well: respect the market, welcome cooperation, and combine strengths."

He paused slightly,

"However, before we talk about 'unions' and 'strengths,' we perhaps need to face up to a most basic premise first—trust is the cornerstone of any business cooperation, and even more so, the core support for the market value of a listed company."

His gaze slowly swept across every board member present, finally landing back on Mason,

"Frankly speaking, Mason, you yourself have now become the group’s biggest source of instability and the root cause of this crisis continuing to ferment."

"The public’s anger needs an outlet. As long as you still sit in this core position of CEO, representing the image and decision-making, the negative associations with the Quinn Group will not stop, the hesitation and retreat of partners will not cease, and every rebound in the stock price could be knocked down again by any small disturbance involving you personally."

"Then isn't our money going down the drain?"

He leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest,

"Personally, I feel that for the sake of the group’s survival and the interests of all shareholders, shouldn't Mason sacrifice a little? Resign as CEO? Let a leader whose public image is more... neutral, or rather, who has no direct association with the current crisis, step in to stabilize the situation. This is the fastest solution to the current problem."

As soon as Ethan finished speaking, the shareholders began to whisper among themselves.

"Mr. Gu’s plan is indeed the fastest."

"But if Mason resigns as CEO, who can lead the Quinn Group to continue developing?"

"There is one ready-made; I think Mr. Gu would do."

Ethan winked at a man.

The man understood and immediately spoke up.

"I think Mr. Gu is right. Mason, in extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. Please resign as CEO; you cannot let our funds go down the drain."

With one person starting, the crowd followed suit. "That’s right, Mason, for the sake of everyone, just suffer a little."

"Mason, once your lawsuit settles, who knows what the outcome will be? It’s better not to gamble with the Quinn Group."

"If Mason cannot be responsible for us, then we have no choice but to withdraw our capital."

Chapter 16

At exactly 9:00 AM the next day, the official website and all social media accounts of the Quinn Group simultaneously released a brief statement.

There was no advance press release, no lengthy explanation—only two cold, hard lines of text, accompanied by the group’s steady, solemn logo:

【Announcement Regarding Changes to the Group's Chief Executive Officer】

Effective immediately, Mr. Mason Quinn has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Quinn Group for personal reasons.

Following a resolution by the Board of Directors, Mr. Ethan Gu has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, assuming full responsibility for the group's operations and management.

The business world was in an uproar.

Private messages were almost flooded with exclamation points and question marks.

"Ethan and Mason have been fighting for so many years; is the Quinn Group actually becoming the Gu Group?"

"Mason didn't even put up a fight?"

"How does scum fight back?"

"The Gu Group is really making a killing."

Meanwhile, the general public was clapping and cheering.

"Serves him right! A scumbag like that doesn't deserve to be a CEO!"

"Exactly, let him taste what it feels like to be trampled on."

In front of the Quinn Group building, Mason stood holding his office supplies.

He had not expected that Ethan could buy off so many directors, forcing him to step down.

He looked at the triumphant Ethan.

"Thank you for being willing to contribute to my Quinn Group; this just happens to give me a chance to rest."

Ethan arched an eyebrow.

"Rest assured, you will definitely get plenty of rest. After all, aiding and abetting a crime should earn you a few years. By the time you get out, the Quinn Group might just have the surname 'Gu'."

"Oh, right, the case goes to trial tomorrow. Our company’s legal team all has their own work, but don't worry, I won't ignore you as CEO. I will let Attorney Quinn handle this case for you. After all, you are of the same family name."

Mason hadn't expected Ethan to be so ruthless, going as far as to pull his legal team.

He had already discussed the strategy with the legal team.

They had formulated a feasible plan.

There were people ready to step up and take the fall.

But with Ethan pulling the team at this moment, all their efforts had been in vain.

He was furious to the extreme. "Ethan, do you really have to go against me at every turn?"

Ethan shrugged, "It's just the way of the world—the winner takes all. Why be so angry? I wish you victory in court tomorrow."

He turned and left.

Mason hurriedly called Linda.

The two agreed to meet at Mason’s villa.

As soon as they met, Mason informed Linda of the current situation.

"Why would Ethan help Bella? What kind of relationship do he and Bella have?" Linda found it hard to believe.

"Ethan has always been eyeing the Quinn Group; I just didn't expect him to seize this opportunity."

Mason felt irritable.

"Linda, we have to rethink our plans now."

"How should we plan?" Linda was anxious.

The legal team of the Quinn Group was one of the best in the country.

They had already discussed a counter-strategy, and both she and Mason could have walked away unscathed.

Now that the team had been pulled, that evidence could nail her to the coffin.

No, she could not go to prison.

Mason had to cover for her.

She looked at Mason.

"Mason, I cannot go to prison; if I do, I’m finished. If the situation is unfavorable for us, then you must admit to everything. The two of us must ensure at least one of us survives."

Chapter 17

Hearing those words from Linda, Mason felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He froze in place, his breathing stalling for a heartbeat.

He stared at Linda in disbelief.

This was the woman who had once haunted his dreams, the woman he had refused to give up on even by compromising his own principles.

"If the situation is unfavorable for us, then you must admit to everything. The two of us must ensure at least one of us survives."

She said it so matter-of-factly, as if it were Mason’s duty to bear everything for her, including the disaster of a prison sentence.

"Linda... you..." Mason’s throat tightened, his voice grating and dry.

"You want me... to shoulder all the blame alone?"

"Yes!" Linda interrupted him urgently, stepping forward to grab his arm.

"Mason, think about it. You are a Quinn. Even if you... really go in, the Quinn family will find a way; they won't let you stay for too long! Although you are no longer CEO and your influence is smaller, the Quinn family’s network is still there! But I am different."

Tears welled up in her eyes rapidly.

"I am a daughter of the Lin family, but you know my father’s temper; he values family face above all else! If I have a criminal record, the Lin family won't protect me; I’ll just be abandoned! My life would truly be destroyed! Mason, you said you loved me, you said you wouldn't let me suffer any grievances!"

She shook his arm forcefully, her voice laced with sobs.

"Do you have the heart to watch me go to prison? Mason, didn't we agree to be together forever? I will wait for you outside."

Mason’s mind was in turmoil.

His rationality told him he should refuse Linda.

But his emotions told him, "You love Linda; you cannot let her suffer any harm."

"Mason, are you unwilling? If you are, I won't force you. I’ll go to prison, I’ll confess. It’s all because I loved you too much and was jealous of Bella that I did all those things. I deserve it; I’ll go confess right now."

Linda turned around, weeping and wailing, and ran toward the door.