Gwen gently twirled the pen in her hand, pulling her wandering thoughts back to the conference room.
She looked up, her gaze sweeping over everyone, her tone calm but firm: "Uncle Phillip is indeed a very good choice; his achievements in the business field are evident to all.
But I prefer to respect my father's wishes.
Before his passing, Father explicitly stated that Mr. Lucius would temporarily manage the Wayne Group until Brucey and I came of age."
"Miss Gwen, circumstances have changed!" a female shareholder stepped forward, placing her hands on the conference table, leaning forward, her eyes urgent.
"Mr. Lucius specializes in technology research and development; the Wayne Group's operations require a more experienced manager.
Mr. Philip Kane can lead the Group to a better future."
Gwen straightened her back, meeting the other party's gaze without flinching: "Experience can be accumulated, but Father's trust cannot be betrayed.
Moreover, Mr. Lucius is not without management ability; he assisted Father in handling many affairs."
In the conference room, their argument grew increasingly heated.
The female shareholder continuously emphasized Philip Kane's outstanding talent and rich experience in business management, as well as his past contributions.
Both sides stuck to their guns, unwilling to yield, and the atmosphere was tense.
Just as the dispute reached a stalemate, an old shareholder with white hair and a face full of wrinkles slowly stood up.
He cleared his throat, and the arguing in the conference room gradually subsided.
"How about we both take a step back?" the old shareholder's voice was deep and powerful.
"This way, we respect Mr. Thomas's last wishes and also consider the Group's practical needs."
Gwen raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her eyes: "How do we take a step back?"
She leaned forward slightly, waiting for the old shareholder's next words, and everyone else in the conference room also focused their gaze on the old shareholder.
Gwen indicated, "You wouldn't be unaware of who would suffer from this, would you?"
The old shareholder adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his gaze sweeping between Gwen and the directors, and slowly began: "We could let Philip first serve as president.
If changes occur later, then Lucius can take over as interim president.
How about that? This way, we can leverage Philip Kane's management experience, and also retain the possibility of Mr. Lucius taking over.
It's a win-win solution."
"You wouldn't be unaware of who would suffer from this, would you?" Gwen sneered, her fingertips tapping rhythmically on the conference table.
"If Uncle Philip takes office first, once he establishes himself, what chance would Mr. Lucius have?
This so-called 'interim' is just an empty promise."
The old shareholder was not flustered by Gwen's questioning; instead, he showed a confident smile: "Lucius, as a technical person, can be directly promoted to Technical Director, fully responsible for the research and development sector.
Furthermore, I am willing to give a portion of my shares to Lucius as compensation for his temporary step back.
With this arrangement, he can utilize his strengths in his area of expertise and his interests are also protected.
Little Gwen, what do you think?"
As soon as this was said, a commotion broke out in the conference room, everyone whispering to each other, all looking surprised.
Gwen also narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling somewhat bewildered.
She hadn't expected the old shareholder to be willing to pay such a high price to push Philip Kane into position, even giving up his own shares?
The Wayne Group was not yet listed, and all shares were internally distributed.
Each shareholder's shares were crucial, and even a slight reduction would drastically diminish their say and profit distribution within the Group.
It was truly surprising that someone was willing to give up shares now.
Why? Why pay so much?
Could it be that he believed Lucius was a direct descendant secretly cultivated by the Wayne Family, and wanted to win him over with this move?
Before Gwen could fully consider it, the old shareholder suddenly added: "These are all just temporary measures.
In the future, the Wayne Group will certainly return to the Wayne Family.
Ultimately, at least one of the Misses Wayne must become the future president."
At least one must become the future president... Hmm?
Gwen repeated the sentence in her mind, suddenly feeling as if struck by lightning, her entire being instantly enlightened, her thoughts suddenly connecting.
So that's it~
A gentle smile slowly spread across her lips, and she looked at everyone present with a smile that even the old shareholder found dangerous.
"Of course."
...Inside the Wayne Tower R&D department, cool white light illuminated precise instruments and stacks of blueprints, with the hum of machinery echoing continuously.
Gwen pushed open the heavy cabin door, Brucey following silently behind her.
The cabin door closed automatically, the soft click startling Lucius, who was adjusting experimental equipment.
He looked up and, seeing that it was Gwen, a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes behind his glasses.
"Miss Gwendolyn, Miss Brucey." Lucius's voice was gentle, with the unique composure of a scholar.
He took off his rough cloth gloves and shook hands with Gwen, "What brings you here today?"
Gwen held his hand, not letting go immediately, a hint of regret knitting her brows: "Mr. Lucius, I've come to apologize to you.
At the shareholder meeting, I ultimately couldn't get you appointed as president..."
Her voice trailed off, and from the corner of her eye, she noticed Brucey staring at a set of camouflage exoskeletons in the corner, seemingly curious.
Lucius laughed heartily; though no longer young, his laugh was quite vibrant: "Please don't say that!"
"I'm busy enough with these circuit boards and equations every day; how would I have the energy to manage the company's complicated affairs?
And I haven't even studied it.
If I really became president, I'd be completely lost.
Now, being promoted to Technical Director and focusing on R&D is much more comfortable."
He paused, looking earnestly at Gwen, his expression sincere: "Speaking of which, although I don't know why Mr. Thomas trusted me so much, I have to admit that compared to me, Mr. Phillip is actually a more experienced manager.
Having him temporarily serve as president might be more beneficial for the Group's current development."
"Moreover, he is your uncle, and more worthy of the Wayne Family's trust than an outsider like me."
Gwen could tell that Lucius wasn't being sarcastic; he genuinely believed that Philip Kane was more suitable for the presidency.
At this, Gwen could only sigh.
How could she not know that Philip was experienced? But she wasn't some U.S. comic book scholar.
The people she knew in Gotham who could be trusted at this stage were few: besides Lucius and Alfred, the only other character appearing at this stage would be James Gordon.
She didn't even dare to fully let down her guard with a character like Harvey Bullock.
Looking at the Wayne Group logos everywhere, Gwen silently prayed.
She hoped this uncle wouldn't betray her trust.
Otherwise... a cold glint flashed in Gwen's eyes.
Otherwise, his family's car would be predominantly black with green circuit stripes, crashing his house into smithereens.