The accumulated tasks appeared overwhelming, yet Eric handled them with practiced efficiency. Nevertheless, addressing everything demanded considerable time and concentrated effort.
Following the recent turmoil, Gifford had sustained devastating damage to his reputation, hemorrhaging trust and influence among the board members.
The sacrifice had proven worthwhile.
“Eric!” Gifford’s furious voice reverberated from the corridor outside.
Eric’s brow furrowed as he exchanged a meaningful look with Phillips.
Phillips rose instantly from his chair. “I’ll take care of this.”
Before Phillips could reach the door, Gifford burst through it, followed by the secretary, who appeared utterly defeated.
“Mr. Scott! I tried everything to prevent him from entering…”
Gifford had lost all semblance of control, striking anyone who blocked his path and attacking whoever dared approach him.
“Return to your duties,” Phillips instructed, dismissing the secretary with a gentle gesture.
“Eric!” Gifford charged toward Eric’s desk, his face blazing crimson with unbridled fury. “You orchestrated this from the beginning!”
“Not precisely.” Eric settled back in his leather chair, spreading his hands in mock innocence. “The project genuinely existed. You claimed it eagerly, and then failed spectacularly. Those facts remain undeniable.”
“Eric!” Gifford’s features contorted with hatred, his bloodshot eyes burning with malice. “You intentionally concealed Ernest’s technical involvement! You two conspired against me from the beginning!”
“Conspired?” Eric released a cold chuckle, arching one eyebrow with calculated amusement. “To clarify, we formed a strategic partnership. For ventures of this magnitude, success depends on steady financial resources and logistical support. Did you honestly believe I would attempt such an undertaking without a solid technical foundation?”
Eric rose from his chair with deliberate authority, lifting his chin as he gazed down at Gifford with commanding presence.
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“Allow me to clarify something crucial—this project represents my vision and execution. Without my leadership, none of this would exist.”
“You!” Gifford’s complexion shifted from crimson to ashen white. “You and Ernest collaborated to orchestrate my downfall!”
“You possessed the option to decline—had you demonstrated sufficient wisdom.” Eric clicked his tongue disapprovingly and shook his head with theatrical disappointment. “Gifford, speaking candidly, you lack the necessary qualifications for this level of competition. Your intellect cannot match mine. Perhaps you should withdraw gracefully and preserve what dignity remains.”
While Gifford posed no serious threat to Eric’s position, his relentless harassment had become both tiresome and potentially dangerous.
“Haven’t you grasped the reality yet? Every board member now prays for my continued health. They would never entrust their investments to someone as thoroughly incompetent as yourself.”
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