Chapter 2 Removed!

Evelyn jerked upright, alarmed.

Who dares to call a board meeting without her?

She was the President of Dawson Groups. No one had that authority but her.

Still disoriented from grief, Evelyn staggered to her feet, dizziness spinning the hallway around her. But she didn't stop. She rushed out of the hospital and drove straight to headquarters.

By the time she arrived, the meeting had already begun. Brittany was pacing outside the building, worry etched into her face.

Relief flooded her when she saw Evelyn's car pull in but her brows furrowed the moment Evelyn stepped out.

Was she still wearing nightclothes?

But now wasn't the time to comment. Too much was at stake.

"They're in the conference room," she said quickly.

Evelyn didn't respond. She stormed into the building, took the elevator, and half-ran through the executive floor until she reached the boardroom.

She threw the doors open-

Silence.

Every head turned.

A beat passed. Then another.

Brows furrowed at her and the people in the room stared in confusion but she only noticed the man in reading glasses sitting on her grandfather's seat.

Logan Dawson.

Her Uncle!

His father just died. What was he doing preceding a meeting with the board?

He smiled as though he had been expecting her..

"Evelyn. We didn't think you'd make it."

Evelyn stomped inside. Her shoulders squared.

"What's going on here?" She demanded.

Logan didn't answer immediately "My father is dead." He said solemnly. "I suppose you already heard."

Yes! She already did. And it was killing her.

"So what?" Evelyn asked confused where he was headed.

"The company needs a new Chairman immediately. Father is dead. The seat won't be left vacant for too long."

Evelyn was taken aback. "It's been less than twenty four hours since his passing. Would you even give his spirit time to ascend?

Why the rush, uncle?" Evelyn fired multiple questions, her small pretty face holding a look of disbelief and confusion.

Logan Dawson propped forward into his chair, hands crossed.

"Why?

Logan leaned forward. "Little Evelyn, you of all people should know how important this company was to him."

'Was?' Evelyn thought to herself. They've already accepted that he is gone.

"I'm merely doing my natural duty...as my father's son." Then he sat back in his chair and said with feigned concern. "You don't look too good. Perhaps you should go? Your assistant will brief you about the meeting later."

"I'm not leaving," Evelyn stubbornly stood her ground, her fists clenching so tight she dug a hole in her palm, drawing blood. "This meeting is unauthorized. As president of Dawson Groups, I demand you dissolve it. Immediately.

And while I'm deeply disappointed, I'll hold back because Grandpa just died and I am in mourning." she tried to contain the rage brewing within her.

Her Grandfather just died. How dare her uncle cross her and call a meeting with the board of directors. Did he have no respect for her position?

"Uncle, kindly dissolve this meeting."

Logan's calm veneer cracked.

"Evelyn!" he barked, slamming a palm on the table. "The board has already voted. The new chairman and president has been appointed. I was trying to save you the embarrassment, but since you insist on this outburst, let me be clear."

He stood, his voice rising.

"You've been removed as president of Dawson Groups, and effective immediately, barred from entering any Dawson company or subsidiary."

Evelyn was stunned into silence.

Fired?!

Her body froze.

She looked around, eyes wide, searching the faces of the board members who had sworn to her grandfather's face that they'd protect her.

None of them seemed to be in shock. All they could do was look away when her eyes met theirs. Apparently, this decision had already been predetermined and she was the only clueless one in the room.

No one met her gaze.

No one stood for her.

"What... Did you just say?" Evelyn whispered, stunned.

"You are not just demoting but firing me as well? Why?" Eva demanded angrily. "After the effort I've put into establishing this company.

I brought Dawson Groups to the limelight. Dawson Groups ranks sixth on the list of top 10 pillars of S country all thanks to me and now what? You dare to fire me?" Evelyn asked, glaring at the faces of the directors.

They looked away in guilt.

"Young Ms. Daw. We are well aware of your hardwork and while we appreciate you, there's nothing we can do on this matter." Philip Che, one of the top directors said.

Evelyn recognized him. He was the very first person who had sworn to protect her when her grandfather had first introduced her as the president of the company. Yet now, he was also the first to let go of her hand like this.

'What a Judas!' Evelyn couldn't help but think.

Her eyes narrowed.

"Director Che." she said coldly, "does my grandfather know that you all are letting go of my hand after swearing with your lives that you'll hold and guide me?"

The man looked away, ashamed.

Evelyn scoffed. Just as she had thought. This wasn't her grandfather's order.

Cowards. All of them.

She turned to Logan.

"Uncle. Grandfather was the one who put me on that seat, therefore I, Evelyn Dawson cannot accept your decision."

Logan chuckled, shaking his head in mock sympathy.

"Still so naïve," he said. "You really don't get it, do you?"

Then his tone shifted-sharp, cutting.

"Evelyn." He said slowly. "I really did want to save you some face today because my father used to cherish you, but then you keep asking for it.

Fine, I'll tell you.

You wanted to know why you're being removed from your position. That...is because you, Evelyn are not my father's legitimate grandchild."

His reply came like a blow to the guts.

She looked around confused.

But just like earlier, she was the only one surprised.

"W-what are you talking about? I'm not a true Dawson...w-what do you mean by that?"

"A DNA test was conducted yesterday. You don't share a drop of Dawson blood."He said it like a judge delivering a verdict.

"You don't belong here. And if my father had known, he'd have done the same."

Evelyn staggered back a step, her mind reeling. Then something struck her.

Her expression changed frantically into a frown.

"So...you all are saying that...because I'm not a Dawson I cannot continue to work here. Is that it?"

Logan did not answer. But that was all the answer Evelyn needed. She glanced around at the directors as if expecting them to say something.

To stand up for her.

But no one stood up for her nor tried to say anything in her stead. They had all unanimously agreed to toss her away.

Evelyn suddenly burst into fits of laughter. She laughed so loud like a mad woman.

The room was silent, only the sound of Evelyn laughing could be heard. Everyone stared at her curious and confused.

Then suddenly, she stopped laughing, her expression shifted into one of seriousness.

"Uncle...no! Mr. Logan Dawson." She immediately corrected herself.

"Just in case you are forgetting, I am Evelyn. And although not a Dawson, I took Dawson Groups from a local business to global heights.

If you think Dawson Groups can function and continue to thrive without me then, I'd really love to watch you try."

After saying that, she squared her shoulder and with her head held high, she walked out of the room gracefully.