Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 812 Ethan strode through the crowd, clad in a crisp new suit, his shirt collar open high, revealing a long, pale neck tilted slightly back. Surrounded by aides who greeted him respectfully at every opportunity, his face was alight with self-satisfaction. Charlotte froze, about to step forward-but a hand held her back. "Ethan is now acting CEO of Morrison Group indefinitely. Don't start anything." Everyone on their team had been personally chosen by Khloe; they all knew that Ethan's return spelled trouble. But with Khloe absent, this was no time for Charlotte to act recklessly.

They only wanted to keep her safe. 1 Although the contracts Khloe had drafted for Clarice's assets were still frozen, Morrison Group's authority had effectively been handed over to Clarice. Even though Clarice was under investigation and couldn't return in person, she had authorized Ethan to act on her behalf. That made him, at least on paper, the legitimate CEO. Yet, everyone understood why Ethan had returned now: it wasn't to do Khloe any favors. Clarice had deliberately secured Ethan's release in advance, ensuring he'd be ready for this moment.

---- The company's charter stipulated that the highest authority proxy must be a member of the Morrison family. Strictly speaking, Clarice could only empower Ethan to take control. Charlotte didn't even have to guess what the mother and son were scheming. Clarice intended to siphon off Niel's life's work; soon, Morrison Group's assets and projects could be legally transferred, and the contracts Khloe had sent would evaporate instantly. Whether Khloe returned or not, Clarice would win. Ethan slowed as he passed Charlotte. "Mr. Morrison," one aide muttered, embarrassed.

Charlotte clenched her teeth, glaring at him in silence. "Oh? Isn't this Khloe's most capable subordinate? Why the long face? Something bothering you?" Ethan taunted, deliberately mocking her. As if retaliating for Khloe using Charlotte to suppress him at the company, he reached out and lifted her chin in public. "Sir, that's-really not appropriate," one of Charlotte's colleagues blurted out, stepping forward. Others in her department quickly gathered around, forming a united front. "Not appropriate? What's inappropriate?" Ethan ignored them all, keeping his gaze fixed on Charlotte.

He drawled slowly, "You ---- think this counts as harassing a female employee?" Silence fell. Ethan held the highest authority in the company. Even if someone wanted to speak up, no one dared. "Of course it's inappropriate! Ethan, your disgusting habit of harassing female employees-I've documented it all! Touch Charlotte again, and I'll call the police immediately!" The fierce voice belonged to Winnie. She stepped forward from the crowd, phone raised, drawing everyone's surprised eyes Ethan blinked, caught off guard-and a sharp slap landed squarely across his face.

Charlotte, no longer able to restrain herself, raised her hand again to strike, but Ethan caught her wrist. "If you hit me, | can not only call the police but also fire you." Winnie's eyes blazed as she rushed forward to shield Charlotte. Even some of Charlotte's colleagues hesitated, but Winnie shoved past Ethan with full force. "Ethan, you damn bastard! Did Clarice feed you dog food as a child? You don't even know how to behave like a human being!" Her words hit him hard; his face reddened in anger. In frustration, he lifted his arm-but Winnie tilted her head back, daring him to act.

---- Ethan froze. Some of his management staff nearby quickly shouted at Winnie and Charlotte, warning them to stop. They immediately ordered HR to fire the two women, check Ethan for injuries, and call the police