Love at the Vhong Table
Chapter 2240 Refusing to Back Down
Teddy suddenly started laughing
His voice rang through the hall, sharp and unseuling
Mackenzie and the others watched in silence, exchanging, wary glances. Has he finally lost it? Or is this another one of his games?
Some older representatives, who had worked with Teddy for years, barely recognized the man standing before them. The smooth, calculating businessman they had known was gone.
To them, maybe his real self was finally showing now that he’d lost control.
“Teddy, are you done?” Mackenzie’s voice was cold, cutting, through his laughter. “You’re neglecting your responsibilities. If you keep this up, I’ll have no choice but to remove you as a representative.
However, Teddy only laughed harder.
His loyal followers joined in, their laughter echoing through the hall like a poorly rehearsed act.
Jidrus leaned close to Mackenzie and whispered, “Ms. Quillen, this isn’t just arrogance. They’re up to something”
Mackenzie’s eyes narrowed. He’s right.
Still, this was the Chamber of Commerce, and security was airtight. Emmanuel had ensured that Anna and Solana were by her side, and heavily armed Wolf Warrior Units stood guard outside.
Teddy would have to be an absolute fool to try anything reckless.
Finally, Teddy stopped laughing, his sharp gaze landing on Mackenzie.
“You really think this title is yours forever?” he sneered.
Mackenzie smirked. “The election was yesterday. The results are official. It was broadcast nationwide and was endorsed at the highest level. Do you really think you can just declare them invalid?”
Teddy crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “The election was rigged. I have reasons to believe bribes were involved. The results are unfair.”
He spoke with the confidence of a man who had rehearsed this line a thousand times. “Until a full investigation is conducted, I remain the rightful Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.”
The room fell silent.
Mackenzie tightened her jaw as she reflected, So that’s his play. He understands the outcome won’t alter, but if he can delay the process long enough and cling to power just a bit longer, he might still be able to persuade Catherine to take over. He’s gambling on Catherine, pulling off an upset in the upcoming election.
Straightening his jacket, he smirked and declared, “So, as of now, all Chamber proceedings are on hold. No meetings. No handovers. Nothing. Until this investigation is over, everything remains as it was.”
Jidrus scoffed. “Are you serious? You actually think we’re that stupid? The Chamber itself chooses the Chairman, Mackenzie won, which means she has full authority. Even if you refuse to hand over the
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Chapter 2240 Refusing to Back Down
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His voice rang through the hall. “Plus, as for your little claim that the election is invalid–who do you think you are? The Supreme Court? Unless you have actual evidence, your word means nothing”
Jidrus added, “If you believe there were irregularities in the process, you should file a report. Still, until an official decision is made, Ms. Quillen has full authority as Chairman.”
The other representatives from West End and Nuthana murmured in agreement.
Mackenzie took a step forward, her voice firm. “Teddy, if you don’t hand over the Chamber of Commerce seal, I can remove you from the chamber completely. Just so we’re clear–that’s well within my authority.
Teddy’s men stiffened, shifting uncasily.
“You really think you can just force me out?” one growled.
Another challenged, “Yeah? Let’s see you try!”
The rest of the lackeys followed suit, their body language turning aggressive.
Mackenzie didn’t flinch. “Anna, Solana–escort them out.”
The words were barely out of her mouth before her guards stepped forward, moving with precision.
Standing behind Mackenzie, Lexi smirked. Did they really think Ms. Quillen would hesitate? Idiots. Taking Teddy down had always been the plan. Now that he’s no longer chairman, she won’t be holding back.
As Anna and Solana moved in, realization finally dawned on Teddy and his lackeys.
Half the chamber still stood by him, but the other half had already sided with Mackenzie.
If this escalated into a fight, he wouldn’t stand a chance–not when Mackenzie was the rightful Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.
After a long pause, Teddy exhaled and forced a smirk. “You’ve got some nerve, Mackenzie.”
Raising a hand, he signaled his men to stand down.
He wasn’t about to make things easy for her, but he wasn’t stupid enough to give her an excuse to take him
down.
Teddy said smoothly, “I’ll go retrieve the Chamber of Commerce seal from my mansion. Wait here.”
He turned and walked away, keeping his composure intact.
Jidrus muttered, “Ms. Quillen, he’s stalling. If he leaves, he won’t come back.”
Mackenzie already knew that.
She gave a sharp nod. “Anna, send word to Ostrich and Ironskull. Tell them to follow Teddy and retrieve the Chamber of Commerce seal directly from his mansion.”
Anna didn’t hesitate. “Understood, Your Holiness.”
Why didn’t she send Anna and Solana instead?
For one, she needed them close.
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For another, Aora was out for blood. If Anna and Solana set foot in that mansion, Aora would stop at nothing to take them out.
Yet Mackenzie wasn’t worried.
If Teddy thought he could escape, he was in for a rude awakening–because the Silver Dragon Spear Saint was already waiting.
Meanwhile, Teddy’s car sped through the city toward his mansion, but he knew he wasn’t alone.
Seating beside him, Gautier leaned in slightly. “Mr. Tanner, do you want me to handle this?”
He made a subtle gesture as he spoke–a quick, slicing motion across his throat.
Teddy didn’t react. He simply cast a quick glance at the rearview mirror.
A presence was tailing them.
Exhaling slowly, he muttered, “Not yet. Stand down until I give the order.”
Gautier gave a slight nod.
Unlike Magnus, Gautier wasn’t a strategist but a problem solver. Although he had no idea how things would unfold, he was confident that he could adapt on the fly.
The car pulled up in front of the Tanner Residence.
Teddy stepped out, adjusting his jacket as if nothing was unusual.
Then, two figures approached–Ironskull and Ostrich.
Gautier and a few men stepped before him, blocking their path.
“What do you want?” Gautier asked, his voice casual but firm.
Ironskull barely blinked. “We’re here on behalf of Ms. Quillen to retrieve the Chamber of Commerce seal.”
There was no hesitation, no fear.
Teddy exchanged a glance with Gautier, then turned toward his mansion.
“Let them in,” he stated coolly.
Without another word, he disappeared inside.
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