Chapter 242: Does Anyone Else Object?

Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Does Anyone Else Object?

Sean Sterling’s dark eyes narrowed, a piercing chill glinting within them. His voice was as cold as ice.

"Mr. Underwood, I recognize that you’re a veteran of the Sterling Family and have served tirelessly for many years. You’ve spoken out of turn multiple times, and I’ve tolerated it. But now, you’re making baseless accusations and slandering me with impunity. Don’t blame me for disregarding our past and holding you legally accountable!"

"The old chairwoman and my father were frail for years. Their chronic illnesses were plain for all to see. Being tormented by sickness is not something that happens overnight. If I’m to be blamed for the natural course of life and death, then I have nothing to say in my defense."

Chester Underwood refused to back down an inch. He demanded sharply, "And what about Julian Sterling? He’s been missing ever since the old chairwoman and Silas passed away. Where did you hide him? Or has he, too, met with your foul play!"

Sean Sterling’s expression was cold and grim. He responded coolly, "My older brother left on his own a few days ago, and his whereabouts are still unknown. I immediately mobilized all our people to search for him. I even asked Sebastian, the one in charge of the Kensington Family, for help. I also filed a formal police report yesterday."

"I, Sean Sterling, would never do anything so heinous, illegal, and immoral. Mr. Underwood, you needn’t rack your brains fabricating lies to sling mud at me!"

His words were powerful and righteous, painting a perfect picture of a man unjustly accused.

Furious, Chester Underwood threw up his hands, turned on his heel, and stormed out.

Sean Sterling watched him go, the corners of his lips curling into a silent, chilling smirk. His sharp gaze swept over the rest of the people in the meeting room.

"Any other objections?"

Everyone in the room looked at one another, but no one dared to utter a word.

"Since there are no objections, this meeting is adjourned. From now on, I will be counting on everyone’s cooperation. As long as you remain loyal to me, I will not mistreat any of you."

The words had barely left his mouth when a clear, resonant voice boomed from the doorway.

"I don’t agree!"

Everyone turned in unison at the sound of the voice and saw Julian Sterling.

Whispers broke out among the attendees.

"Is that the eldest young master? Didn’t the second young master just say he was missing?"

"Who knows? Maybe the second young master said it on purpose to justify taking over."

"Look at him, his suit is impeccable. Don’t tell me his mind has cleared up?"

But everyone soon noticed something was wrong. Though Julian Sterling was impeccably dressed and looked no different from anyone else, after uttering that single phrase of disagreement, he froze in place. His eyes were vacant and unfocused; he was clearly not in his right mind.

Sean Sterling’s heart jolted when he saw the man in the doorway. For a split second, he had a vision of the high-spirited, brilliant eldest son the Sterling Family once knew.

He suppressed his shock in an instant. ’Impossible! I administered that drug with my own hands. There’s no way Julian Sterling could have recovered.’

"Brother, where have you been these past few days? I’ve looked everywhere for you. Why did you suddenly show up in the boardroom?" Sean Sterling stepped forward, reaching for his arm.

Just as his fingers were about to touch Julian Sterling’s arm, Julian flinched back in terror, avoiding his touch.

"It’s mine. Grandma said... everything is mine. You’re a thief."

The statement landed like a stone in a still pond, instantly causing an uproar. Everyone present wore a different expression.

Sean Sterling’s expression stiffened. A flicker of malice crossed his eyes, but his tone remained steady.

"Brother, do you have any idea what nonsense you’re spouting? Ladies and gentlemen, are you really going to believe the ravings of a man who isn’t in his right mind?"

He discreetly shot Hector Warner a look, signaling him to escort Julian Sterling out.

Hector Warner snapped out of it and hurried forward to take Julian Sterling by the arm.

Meanwhile, a fuming Chester Underwood had just gotten into his car and was about to leave when his phone rang. After listening to the call, his deep frown suddenly smoothed over. He immediately threw the car door open and rushed toward the elevators.

By the time he reached the boardroom entrance, he saw Hector Warner grabbing Julian Sterling, about to drag him away by force.

"Stop!"

Chester Underwood roared, rushing forward and bringing his cane down hard on Hector Warner’s arm.

Hector Warner cried out in pain and let go. Chester Underwood immediately pulled Julian Sterling behind him, glaring daggers at Sean Sterling.

"I’d like to see anyone try to lay a finger on Julian!"

Sean Sterling’s face darkened completely. ’That old codger had already left, why did he come back? Who the hell tipped him off?’

His icy gaze swept discreetly over the people behind him. ’Chester Underwood’s roots in the Sterling Family run much deeper than I estimated,’ he thought.

"You’re worrying too much, Mr. Underwood. I was simply having someone escort my brother home to rest. After wandering outside for a few days, he must be missing Grandmother and Father. I’m sure they miss him terribly, too."

Julian Sterling cowered behind Chester Underwood, not daring to look directly at Sean Sterling, but his enunciation was exceptionally clear.

"Thief. Everything is mine."

Chester Underwood, who had been frustrated by his inability to find any leverage against Sean Sterling, felt his eyes light up at those words. He immediately gripped Julian Sterling’s arm.

"Julian, tell me everything. Did you see something? Do you know something? Don’t be afraid. With me and the other board members here, we won’t let anyone take what’s yours. We won’t let some schemer get away with it!"

"I want to find Papa and Grandma..." Julian Sterling struggled, turning to run out the door.

"You can’t go! Julian, you have to tell us what happened!" Chester Underwood blocked his path, questioning him relentlessly. "Tell me, all of the Sterling Family’s assets, the chairwoman’s life’s work—it was all meant for you, wasn’t it? Did Sean Sterling use some kind of trick to snatch it away from you?"

Julian Sterling raised a hand and pointed at Sean Sterling, mumbling two words.

"Bad guy."

"What did he do that was bad, Julian? Tell me everything."

"He hit me. And he didn’t give me food."

Chester Underwood tried to press for more, but Julian Sterling violently wrenched his hand free and bolted toward the elevators.

"Quick, stop him!" Chester Underwood shouted.

Julian Sterling’s mind was still a mess; he was completely incapable of explaining the crucial details.

Sean Sterling’s expression was placid as he spoke nonchalantly.

"Mr. Underwood, what is your motive in goading a mentally unstable person into making wild accusations? My brother and I grew up together; our bond is deep. A few days ago, a careless servant was mistreating him, and I had them severely punished the moment I found out. That incident must have left a scar on him."

The elevator doors down the hall slid open, and Sebastian Kensington stepped out, followed by his entourage.

The moment Julian Sterling saw him, he scrambled to hide behind Sebastian Kensington.

"Julian, don’t run off. You might get lost."

Sebastian Kensington led his men straight over to Sean Sterling.

"Sebastian, what brings you here all of a sudden?" ’This is the Sterling Group,’ Sean Sterling thought with a flicker of displeasure. ’How can Sebastian Kensington just waltz in here unannounced? Does he think this is The Kensington Group?’

"Kensington’s and Mr. Kensington’s funeral arrangements aren’t even finalized, yet you’re already rushing to hold a board meeting. I came to see just what you’re up to."

"The company can’t go a single day without a leader. I am taking over the Sterling Group in accordance with my grandmother’s and father’s last wishes. I never expected the board members to question the old chairwoman’s arrangements. Sebastian, your timing is perfect. Perhaps you can bear witness for me."

"Miss Kensington did entrust you with managing the company, but she never said the entire Sterling family fortune was to be inherited by you alone."

Sean Sterling’s expression faltered for a moment before he managed a faint smile.

"I’m afraid you’re misinformed, Sebastian. Before Grandmother and Father passed away, they specifically instructed me to take charge of all Sterling Family matters, large and small. They also repeatedly urged me to take good care of my brother."

With that, he produced a forged document and handed it to Sebastian Kensington for his review.