Chapter 645: Nothing Comes Easy
At the Morgan mansion, All were grumbling as Arsh left again. This time they were curious about what he was up to that he wasn't staying with them for a day.
Aria and Alan kept the matters under wrap, excluding Rowan. The latter was never against the plans of his children or grandchildren. He always gave full freedom as he considered forcing them into something wouldn't be a good decision to anything. Even though they had company, Alan grew it large, he never expected Rooney or Arsh or Arna to take care of it. He didn't find a huge deal to find a capable person to handle the company when Alan decides to retire.
It was Friday, Rowan went to the company for the board meeting. Alan was president, Rian and Aria were significant holders of shares. Arsh didn't have much whereas Arna never bothered about the company as it was always Aria and Alan buying or transferring shares to her.
The conference room was huge, a long rectangular table was filled with about fifteen major shareholders sitting on either side leaving the first two seats on left, 1 seat on right, and the head of the table. The shareholders had assumed the meeting was about the discussion of how to divide the profits of the year or it could be used for expansion.
They were busy discussing their opinions while waiting for the Morgans to enter. Some people wanted to show the majority to claim the presidency seat or chairmanship. Unfortunately, Morgans were a major shareholder and Coopers had a significant amount so ultimately Morgans were still the rulers of their company. Some were also curious why there was another chair this time.
The hall fell silent when the tall two doors pushed. They turned to Door and saw Aria helping Rowan to walk while Alan walked next to them at their pace. What picked their interest was one of the two behind them.
Arsh Morgan was walking next to Rian Morgan.
All started looking at each other, feeling alarmed. The world knows the young Morgans weren't interested in the companies. Some sniggered thinking Aria and Alan turned out to be the same, forcing their kids to be in business.
Willingly or unwillingly, everyone stood up to show their respect. Well, they had to, else Alan knew to cut off their tail short. Facing that man while he was young or old, was never an easy task.
Alan held the chair while Rowan sat, Aria and Alan sat on the right, and Rian was in front of them encouraging Arsh who was standing behind Aria and Alan.
Nathan pushed the door close before he nodded at all and took a seat at the corner. Rowan pushed the microphone up, he was the same all years around. He flashed a cordial smile and spoke, "Hello everyone, thank you for coming on such short notice."
The shareholder smiled in return. Even though they liked how the company grew under Alan, they liked Rowan who wasn't just a good leader, he listens to them patiently if they had anything to speak. Hence they treated Chairman, Rowan Morgan warmly.
Rowan continued, "We are taking a major decision about the company so we thought you should know about this first before publishing it." He meant, they have already taken the decision and they weren't present to hear their objection. Opinions were welcome but they wouldn't change their decision.
This created a little buzz and their eyes landed on Arsh. The latter looked unemotional and felt like a mini version of Alan. Are our suppressed days going to continue? They had the answer too, 'Yes.'
Everyone started to imagine Rowan continuing as 'I am getting down from my position as Chairman.' They wouldn't be surprised by it. So they turned to Alan knowing he was going to take charge as Chairman. It was like a promotion.
However, Rowan said a different thing, "My son, Alan Morgan, President, and CEO of Morgan Industries, resigned today."
They were gasps hearing him. Aria tilted her head without understanding why it was resignation when Rowan should mention the transfer of shares from Rowan and Alan and letting him handle the rest of the meeting.
Aria saw Rian flashing her a smirk. She was instantly alarmed. Before she could think of what was going on against what they discussed, Rowan continued, "And after my transfer of shares…" His eyes shifted to Alan but moved, then stopped at Aria, "President Cooper becomes the major shareholder of Morgan Industries and I am hoping her to take charge from today as the new chairman of Morgan Industries." He announced watching Aria shocked to the core.
Aria: "..."
That wasn't what they had discussed. There were all gasps in the hall due to shock. It wasn't like they could object to it but this was too drastic.
If Alan resigned while Rowan was chairman, then after Aria became the largest shareholder, she will have to appoint the CEO. Taken Aria's reputation in the business circle, she would never appoint anybody due to the relationship.
Will she be different now, for her son?
Rian, Alan, and Arsh who knew it started clapping, so others joined them and applauded for all. Aria itched to stomp her husband's feet but controlled.
Rowan spoke once everything fell back to silence, "So I will let our new chairman take over the meeting." He flashed a genuine fond smile at Aria as he stood up.
Aria can't be angry at Rowan. She was sure this could only be Alan's plan. 'What the hell! My husband is retiring before me, What about me?' She hadn't thought of retirement.
Nathan noticed Aria wasn't going to respond to anything so he stood up, "If you could excuse, the meeting will resume shortly."
Alan took his wife out while Rian took Rowan out. Arsh shook his head in resignation following them out. He knew why Alan and Rian took that decision.
When Arsh said he will join the business, Alan was the happiest one. It wasn't because Arsh was joining the family business, it was because he can get more time with his wife.
Arsh was thinking to start with a suitable job for him and made his way up. Just like his mother had started. However, Alan suggested that he should become CEO without a hint of hesitation about how Arsh might manage. Arsh knew his father trusted him in everything he does.
Aria trusted Arsh too but she makes sure none gets a chance to lift their finger at them. And when it comes to work and business, Alan might seem cold and serious but Aria was highly ethical. Nothing comes easy under her.
Hence Rian and Alan were making Aria chief as she wouldn't only teach Arsh but also smack his head if required.
Now the question is, will Aria let Arsh become the acting CEO? Or should he start from being a white-collar or manager or whichever position Aria chooses for him?