The Ex-Wife’s Billion Dollar Comeback Novel

---- Chapter 141: Stand-In CEO ~ Soraya ~ "It shouldn't end here," one shareholder said, crying. "I'm sorry, Calum, but you should also take accountability for the truck purchases." "No," Jacob said firmly, still standing. "The purchase was made under the company's name. The responsibility, and the compensation, belong to the company, not to Calum's wallet." Jacob swept his gaze around the room. "Losses happen. Mistakes happen. You don't ride the tide when it's high and then abandon ship the moment it dips. It's the same thing with my company. If you trusted Calum when the numbers.

were soaring, you cannot disown him now that they've fallen." "But | understand that not everyone can take the hit. As your new stand-in CEO, | am willing to donate my first year's dividend to pay for the damages," Jacob offered, shocking everyone in the room, especially Soraya. "Mr. Steel, how noble of you," one said. "Jacob, you don't have to," Amanda said. "Yes, Jacob," Cedric added. "We will shoulder the damages." "lcan give up my dividends too," Soraya offered, not because she was sorry for Calum, but because she understood Jacob's intentions.

He was trying to guilt-trip Calum into paying for the damages. "No!" Suddenly, Calum spoke. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he looked everyone in the eye. "I'll shoulder the damages. No one gets to pay for the mistakes | made." What surprised Soraya at that point was how Calum stared at her. He looked as though he was trying to say something to ---- her. "| signed to approve the truck acquisitions without allowing my assistant to thoroughly question the proposal. So indeed, it's my responsibility,' Calum added. He took his seat, looking more and more defeated.

"I suppose | must step back until this is all cleared." "This is just temporary,' Cedric said. "A suspension." "In any case, Calum, once we recover the funds from your uncle, the money used to cover the damages will be returned. After all, this truck purchase was part of his scheme. Marvin likely declared an inflated amount for the trucks and pocketed the difference," Jacob suggested, and the board went back to grumbling. But Soraya knew better. Marvin's casino debts were far too great for any hope of recovery.

After Calum agreed to cover the damages and hospitalization fees of those injured, it was time to map out Montclair Group's way forward. But before anything else, Jacob requested from the members of the board, "I need someone who can fast-track me into familiarizing myself with the offices and departments, the system, and all the heads. This person should be trustworthy and knowledgeable about the Montclair Group." "You could use my assistant for now," Calum said, referring to Greg Foster. "Thank you, Calum," Jacob said. "Anyone else you could suggest?

Two brains are better than one." His gaze landed on Cedric and Amanda, and the couple was quick to suggest, "Soraya." "Soraya was the best among Calum's support staff. She ---- knows everything and everyone in the company," Cedric said. "No, Jacob might not like the idea of Soraya helping him," Calum objected. "As long as she's capable, | have no issues." Jacob glanced at Calum, adding, "Uplifting Montclair Group's image is more important, and we need everyone's help." Jacob was silently telling Calum to set his personal issues aside, and the latter surrendered with a nod.

"Soraya, | thank you in advance for your help. Please stay after the shareholders' meeting," Jacob casually said to Soraya, like they were not familiar with each other. "Members of the board, shareholders-thank you for entrusting me with the Montclair Group," Jacob addressed everyone. Jacob stood tall, his posture firm and commanding. The sharp lines of his suit highlighted his striking looks, while the power in his voice silenced the room. Some shareholders were reassured; others quietly admired the authority he carried. "Our meeting is now dismissed.

As your appointed stand-in CEO, | will start addressing the situation immediately. You may leave with confidence that | will put this at the top of my priorities," he added, officially concluding the shareholders' meeting. For the rest of the day, Jacob remained in the Montclair Group with Soraya, Amanda, Cedric, Calum, and Greg Foster. He ordered a crisis meeting with the legal team, PR team, the finance manager, and the logistics supervisor. "At this point, a press conference would be more effective," Jacob declared.

"I need it scheduled this afternoon." ---- When the discussion turned to the purchased trucks, Jacob decided to cancel all operations for the newly purchased units. But in addressing the scheduled deliveries, Soraya suggested, "When Montclair Global Logistics started, we used the services of a third-party logistics company. They were good partners." "Do you agree, Calum?" Jacob asked. Sitting across from Jacob, Calum's gaze shifted to Soraya Neither she nor Jacob dismissed him entirely; his years of steering the company still carried weight, giving him a voice in the discussion even now.

"Yes, in fact." Calum frowned, admitting, "That was Soraya's suggestion in the past." "The supplier isn't new to Montclair Group. In fact, they should be held just as responsible," Soraya added "They're not new?" Jacob asked, his tone sharpening. Soraya nodded. "| used to reject several of their truck proposals. Their bids were always vague compared to other dealers." She gestured toward Greg Foster. "You remember, don't you?" "Yes," Greg agreed at once. "You always pointed out that their proposals lacked detail-no clear breakdown of warranties, specs, or delivery terms.

But since you left, Marvin kept insisting on approving that supplier." At Greg's confirmation, Cedric and Amanda exchanged glances. Their eyes shifted from Soraya to Calum, realization dawning on their faces. "We can only move on from here," Jacob said. At exactly three in the afternoon, the Montclair Group initiated a press conference in their building lobby. Jacob stood in ---- front of a podium, addressing the public. "Ladies and gentlemen, | stand before you as the new stand-in CEO of the Montclair Group."