The next day at the board meeting.
Ezekiel was sitting on his cool CEO chair, facing the most powerful board members other companies were dying to have — even if it was just one of them. They were crazily rich and didn't fear losses. In their minds, companies recover, money returns, and power stays.
The room was quiet longer than usual.
They kept flipping through the file Adam shared, exchanging looks but saying nothing. Everyone knew Ezekiel hated pointless questions.
Finally, Alexander cleared his throat.
"May I know why you suddenly added a modelling department to a technology company?"
A few heads lifted immediately. Others followed.
"Technology and entertainment are far different," one of them added carefully.
"It could confuse brand direction," another said, choosing his words slowly. "We are known for precision, not publicity faces."
Adam glanced at Ezekiel and sighed softly. He wanted this answer too.
The room fell silent again. No one wanted to sound like they were opposing him, but their curiosity kept pushing them.
Ezekiel leaned back calmly, fingers resting on the table. He knew they would ask anyway. "Our products are no longer only functional," he said evenly. "They are lifestyle tech now — wearable devices, smart fabrics, sports gear with built-in sensors, audio wear, performance headsets." Then he glanced at Laurence sitting beside Elijah and nodded toward him. "He brought up some new wearable ideas apart from the waterproof headsets. When tech becomes wearable, presentation becomes value."
No one interrupted him, but listened attentively. "We are entering consumer identity branding," he continued. "People don't just buy devices anymore, they buy image, influence, and visual trust. If we control the faces, styling, and presentation, we control the narrative."
Several brows lifted. They were all aware of the previous sales when models were involved. The last one came out with a good result.
"Our modelling and fashion unit will work directly with product design. I've cleared the entire topmost floor for it. They will be sharing the same data team, materials sewing space for body fitting, and the same performance testing across different output channels."
He tapped the file again. "We already have contracted fashion designers and advanced fabric materials through our smart-textile research unit. Instead of selling raw materials, we produce ready-to-wear tech fashion for celebrities and elite clients." Then he raised a brow. "And for the average and poor."
Now they were fully listening. The fact that he considered the ordinary and poor people was heart-touching.
"It reduces third-party dependency, protects patents, and multiplies profit streams." Then he paused, seeming to think about something. "Also," he added calmly, "the suggestion came from my mother."
The tension in the room broke immediately with relief. "Ohhh.... if it's from Madam Lane, then it's solid," Alexander said quickly, waving his hand. "That woman sees profit before profit sees itself."
A few members coughed to hide their laughter.
"I heard her hands are faster than any market trend," Alexander added boldly, ignoring the danger sign in Adam's eyes. "Rejecting her idea is more dangerous than a market crash."
Several members tried to hold their smiles. What he meant was that Madam Lane was good at throwing slippers at stubborn children, if he didn't accept, Ezekiel wouldn't escape the beating even if he was powerful.
"I will invest in the fashion and modelling unit too," one member said, raising his hand.
"Same here."
"Count me in." Alexander chuckled. Other hands went up one after another.
Adam stared at the scene in shock. He had prepared three backup presentations and a defence speech for heavy opposition.
"Of course, they volunteered money," Laurence raised a brow.
Adam almost laughed. "Strange…"
Ezekiel only gave a small nod, his cold expression unchanged. He had started it several months ago. Lena was a big model transferred from Aaron's company, which is why she's leading the rest. "Good," he said. "Then we proceed."
The meeting didn't end there. When the investment approvals settled, one of the older board members adjusted his glasses and spoke again, more carefully this time.
"There is another matter," he said. "It concerns LANEY Jewelries."
Adam straightened and glanced at Ezekiel. Ezekiel's gaze turned colder. "Speak."
The man cleared his throat. "Your cousin, Raphael Lane, has been making moves again. Secretly buying minor shares through shell partners. Meeting distributors behind schedule hours."
Murmurs spread across the table. "What's exactly his problem?"
"He has his eyes on the jewellery branch," another added. "Everyone can see it."
Alexander frowned. "That's impossible. LANEY is already assigned to someone."
Ezekiel's voice was flat. "It belongs to Florence."
Everyone in the room knew it. The documents were announced long ago. Ezekiel personally transferred operational control to his younger sister, Florence Lane.
Unlike the loud, arrogant heiress types that flooded elite circles, Florence was different. Gentle and fragile. Too soft for the battlefield she was born into. Even with her popularity and beauty, she always felt she didn't belong. People rushed to be her friend and that was exactly what scared her.
She had been betrayed too many times by people she trusted. Bad friends nearly ruined her life. After that, she became quieter. Careful. Timid in social spaces — but strangely fearless when it came to work.
She didn't joke with her designs, deadlines, or what would bring in more money.
Under her leadership, LANEY Jewelries had won multiple international competitions and doubled its premium ranking. The brand glow was brighter than before.
That was why Raphael wanted it. And that was why the board members were nervous.
"We invested there because of stability," one said. "Our wives, mothers, daughters, they are loyal customers. The brand trust matters."
"If Raphael touches it, the structure will change. His style is very greedy and aggressive, not legacy-building at all," another added.
Adam nodded. "He treats companies like chips on a table."
Alexander leaned forward. "But Florence is protected, right?"
Ezekiel looked at him disapprovingly. "She is not a negotiation item," he said. "Neither is her company."
Everyone fell silent again. They all knew how the Lane brothers guarded her. Aaron and Ezekiel treated Florence like glass wrapped in steel. Security rotation. Even their mother made it compulsory for Florence to continue living in the main family house no matter what. No private estate alone or isolated living.
Too many wolves around.
"Raphael isn't only targeting the company," another member added carefully. "He's trying to get close to her socially."
Adam cursed under his breath. "Jerk!"
Alexander muttered, "That's worse."
Ezekiel glanced at Adam. "Block every indirect share path," he said. "Audit partner entries. Freeze suspicious transfers. Anyone acting for him, blacklist them." His tone was lethally calm.
"And if he approaches Florence through events or collaborations," he added, eyes hard, "deny the access."
One member hesitated. "Total denial may start a family dispute."
Ezekiel sighed. "I'm counting on it."
No one spoke again. Across the table, a few members exchanged looks and then nodded. They preferred a family war over a corporate hijack.
Adam finally relaxed back into his chair. He knew anyone greedy enough to reach for Florence's assets would lose a hand.