Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online
Everyone watched as Justin advanced slowly, brushing past Jeremy from behind. Jeremy caught a faint, unfamiliar scent as he passed.
Even though no physical or eye contact was made with Justin, a chill still spread from the back of Jeremy’s neck to his limbs.
Justin stopped beside Javier, their gazes meeting briefly. Javier’s face lit up with delight as he patted Justin on the shoulder. No words were necessary to convey Javier’s high expectations.
It was as if he had forgotten about the son sitting on his other side. In that moment, all his attention was focused on Justin.
“Mr. Justin showed up unannounced. What does this mean?” whispered one board member before the rest began to confer among themselves.
‘Can’t you tell from the look on Mr. Javier’s face? He’s obviously favoring Mr. Justin!”
‘But Mr. Jeremy is in charge of Walsh Group right now. There can only be one leader. Plus, Mr. Justin’s health- ‘He looks fine to me. He looks as fit as a fiddle. His steps are even lighter than mine!”
Javier cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs.
With a pleased smile, Javier began, ‘Before we proceed with our strategy meeting, I have an announcement to make.
“My oldest son, Justin, has returned from his studies overseas. He is fully prepared to contribute, and after careful consideration, I have decided to appoint him as a board member. He will help lead Walsh Group to greater heights!”
Everyone in the conference room exchanged shocked glances. Even so, none of this was entirely unexpected.
Justin was the only son Javier had with his late first wife. Walsh Group and the Walsh family were originally meant for Justin to inherit as the eldest son. However, due to Justin’s health issues, Javier’s second son, Jeremy, had been the one to benefit from Justin’s health issues and take charge.
Now that Justin had returned with a clean bill of health, it was clear he intended to reclaim what he had lost. And joining Walsh Group was the first step in his quest for power.
The power dynamics within Walsh Group were poised for a major shift. A leadership change seemed inevitable. At that moment, Rory stepped forward. In a stern voice, he announced, ‘We will now conduct a vote by a show of hands to decide on Mr. Justin Walsh joining Walsh Group’s board as a managing director.”
As soon as Rory finished, three board members enthusiastically raised their hands.
Justin remained expressionless, but Javier’s eyes gleamed with approval as he glanced at the three supporters. Noticing this, the other board members began to follow suit.
After all, Justin was Javier’s eldest and legitimate son, favored by him and likely to become a significant figure in the future-especially in any battle against Jeremy. For the board members, approving Justin’s entry was a simple decision. Resisting Javier’s wishes would only invite trouble.
Moreover, some board members harbored grievances against Jeremy. While he had led the company to impressive growth and profits, his upright and rigid nature alienated others. Jeremy’s refusal to curry favor or compromise made him a target of envy.
Before long, nearly every board member had raised their hand. The only exception was Jeremy, who sat straight- backed, his eyes lowered, offering no response.
With a faint smile that didn’t reach his eyes, Justin observed Jeremy’s impassive expression.
Jeremy’s deep, frigid eyes revealed no emotion, appearing as enigmatic and dark as a shadowed sea.
Javier’s expression darkened when he noticed Jeremy’s lack of response. He demanded, “Jeremy, do you have objections to Justin joining the board of directors?”
Jeremy replied coolly, “The motion passes as long as the majority is in favor. My vote makes no difference. Your goal has been achieved, Mr. Javier. Why insist on formalities?”
The room fell silent. Some exchanged glances, while others relished the spectacle of tension between the Walsh’s.
Only Jeremy alone had the audacity to speak so bluntly to the chairman.
Javier’s face turned pale as a surge of fury rose within him. But he suppressed his anger, unwilling to lash out publicly.
Justin broke the tension with a polished smile. “Thank you all for your support. Many of you are experienced veterans who have worked alongside my father. I regard you as my elders and look forward to your guidance moving forward.”
His flattering words pleased the board members, leaving them elated and proud.
Would Jeremy ever have spoken this way? Of course not. He couldn’t compare to Justin in this regard. Applause filled the room as Justin was officially welcomed as a board member. He strode forward and took a seat across from Jeremy. Their locked gazes created an almost palpable tension, like an invisible tsunami threatening to engulf the room.
“Next, Mr. Jeremy will provide an overview of Project A5,” Javier announced as he took his seat. Yet, he couldn’t hide the resentment in his eyes.
*Project A5 is a major initiative supported by Solana City’s government for the next five years. The initial investment for this project is projected to be approximately-“
Suddenly, Jeremy’s vision blurred, and a loud buzz filled his ears. He staggered.
The board members, including Javier, watched him with growing concern.
Jeremy’s voice faltered. ‘The investment… Sweat broke out on his forehead as the room began to spin. His body grew cold, wracked with chills and nausea.
Rory stepped forward quickly. “Mr. Jeremy, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” he asked in a low voice. “I’m not-“
Before Jeremy could finish, his tightly clenched fists began to tremble uncontrollably. Blood surged to his head, his vision went dark, and he collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud.
“Mr. Jeremy!” Rory turned pale with fright. He tried to catch him but was a second too late.
The room erupted into chaos as everyone rose to their feet. Javier shouted in panic, “Call an ambulance now!” Jeremy lay on the floor, his body convulsing slightly. Just before his eyes closed, he caught a fleeting but unmistakable sight-Justin’s face twisted in a subtle, dark, and triumphant smile.
A sharp pain pierced Jeremy’s heart before he lost consciousness entirely.
Meanwhile, Alyssa worked tirelessly with Axel remotely and had even enlisted Cyrus’ help. After hours of effort, they finally tracked down the black van.
Over the phone, Cyrus’ voice was thick with worry. “Lyse, what are you up to this time? Don’t you dare put yourself in danger! If you do, I swear I’ll tell Dad and have him give you a good scolding when I get back.”
Alyssa chuckled, her tone playful. ‘Relax, Cyrus. I have Sean with me. He’ll handle any danger.”
Sean looked baffled but said nothing.
“Oh, alright. Wait a minute… Sean shouldn’t be in danger either! He’s engaged to Taty, and they’re expecting their first child. Do you really want my nephew to lose his father?” Cyrus exclaimed.
Sean was flustered. Cyrus’ reasoning made sense, yet somehow, it felt like a subtle curse.
‘Fine, fine. I was just kidding.” Her playful tone vanished as she turned her gaze to a rundown private hospital across the deserted street. Her lips curved into a determined smile. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful this time.”
After reassuring Cyrus, she ended the call. Sean stepped forward. “Ms. Alyssa, let me go in and check things out first.”
She fixed him with a firm glare. “No, I’m going in.”
‘Ms. Alyssa!” Sean cried out frantically in a protest.
“It might be dangerous in there. While I admit you’re an outstanding secretary, you lacked sleuthing skills. It’s best if I go instead.
“You’re still recovering…”
“I’m fine. It won’t be a problem. Now, follow my orders and prepare some things for me. I’m moving in tonight!”
Sean was gobsmacked when Alyssa changed into a medical outfit, donned a face mask, and tied her hair back into a neat ponytail.
As night fell, her twinkling eyes glistened like stars in the Milky Way, enchanting anyone who stole even a fleeting look.
“What are you staring at? Haven’t you seen me like this before?” Alyssa asked, amused by Sean’s dumbfounded expression.
But she could tell he wasn’t gazing at her with any amorous intent. His eyes reflected only pure fondness and admiration.
“N-No… It’s not that,” Sean stammered, scratching his head awkwardly. “I was just thinking-even with just your eyes visible and dressed in a lab coat, you still look amazing.”
He hesitated before adding curiously, “Did you look like this when you worked with Doctors Without Borders in Luminara?”
Alyssa straightened her outfit and replied, “Yeah, something like this.”
Suddenly, Sean perked up and asked, “I heard that Mr. Walsh once participated in an emergency combat mission in Luminara when he was in the military. Luminara isn’t that big of a country. Did you meet him back then?”
Alyssa froze. Her numb pinky finger on her left hand quivered slightly before she answered hesitantly, “I don’t think so. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he have recognized me?”
Sean felt his chest tighten. He hesitated, unsure if he should say more. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Alyssa was concealing something heavy-something burdened with helplessness and regret.
Before Alyssa left, Sean insisted she put on a scrub hat. Her radiant presence was difficult to disguise, and the more she covered up, the safer she would be.
Fully suited, Alyssa planned to sneak into the hospital through its back entrance.
Contrary to her expectations, even this desolate and run-down hospital had personnel guarding both the front and back doors. Judging by their stances, Alyssa quickly deduced that these guards weren’t part of the police force. They were Sheryl’s underlings.
This confirmed her suspicion that illicit activities were taking place within the hospital.
Alyssa didn’t act rashly. Instead, she hid among the trees, observing quietly.
She soon noticed that everyone entering the building had to present identification. This place was tightly secured. Alyssa frowned, deep in thought.
Just then, she noticed a male healthcare worker leaving the building to smoke in a secluded corner.
