Billionaire's Regret: Losing Me And Our Son - Chapter 276: Chapter 276

"What?" I was stunned, my eyes widening as if struck by lightning.
Ever since Ben was sent to prison, York had been serving as the CEO of Maple Media.
If anyone deserved credit for saving Maple Media from disaster, it was York. He played the pivotal role. I was just following his lead, simply carrying out his plans.
With Lee Group set to acquire Maple Media, Shawn would hold ultimate authority as chairman once the acquisition was complete.
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Shawn would ask me to take over from York as CEO of Maple Media.
My reaction must have been too much as Shawn instinctively furrowed his brows.
While I was still stunned, York smiled with practiced ease and said, "Natalia has extensive work experience. She's undoubtedly the best candidate to be Maple Media's new CEO."
As he spoke, York turned to me with a knowing gaze that seemed to convey unspoken thoughts.
I suddenly remembered what York had told me before coming to the company.
York said, "When we get to the company, no matter what conditions Uncle Shawn puts forward, you must agree to every single one."
I was stunned. Did York anticipate from the very beginning that Shawn would make such a request?
Shawn glanced at York, clearly satisfied with York's answer, and a smile returned to his face. "Indeed, with Natalia as CEO, we'll be able to form a strategic alliance with Madden Group in the future."
Shawn truly lived up to his reputation as a business veteran. He was already plotting how to leverage the Madden Group.
Meeting York's gaze, I collected my thoughts and said after a brief pause, "I'm fine with it. But when it comes to experience and ability, York is far more qualified than I am. I'll need his guidance moving forward."
I turned to Shawn, cautiously probing his plans for York.
Seeing my agreement, Shawn beamed with delight. "Naturally. With you as CEO and York as vice president of Maple Media, I'm sure next year's performance will reach new heights."
Suppressing the doubts in my heart, I forced a faint smile.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that York's expression remained unreadable as ever. I was unable to decipher his thoughts right now.
After Shawn finished touring the company, York had his driver take Shawn home.
As the car disappeared from view, I let my smile drop, turned to York, and asked, "When did you find out?"
"Ever since Uncle Shawn agreed to acquire Maple Media," York said without changing expression, then arched a brow and countered, "You're getting promoted. Why aren't you happy about it?"
"What's there to be happy about?" I frowned in displeasure.
It wasn't until this moment that everything finally clicked into place for me.
Back then, when York asked me to join Maple Media, and before he brought up the acquisition plan, he'd already subtly hinted to me that only if I joined Maple Media would Shirley have the confidence to persuade Shawn to agree to the deal.
At that time, I couldn't understand why because I didn't know York was an adopted son.
However, it was a different case for Shawn. He'd known from the start that York wasn't Shirley's biological son.
Shawn never fully trusted York and had been guarding against him at every turn during the acquisition of Maple Media.
That was why he preemptively proposed making me the CEO of Maple Media before the acquisition.
"Maple Media is your life's work. Uncle Shawn has no clue at all. Without you, Maple Media would've gone under ages ago. Your talent, experience, and mind are top-tier in the business.
"Just because Uncle Shawn puts up the money to buy it, does that mean he gets to take everything that should have been yours?" The more I thought about it, the more agitated I became.