Unfortunately, arguing with the elders wasn't an option.
The resentment he couldn't direct toward the elders immediately shifted elsewhere as he silently glared daggers at Shin, wishing his stare alone could punch holes through him.
But Shin hadn't spared him so much as a single glanced since entering the room.
"Where's the contract?" the Head Elder asked.
Secretary Yun, who had followed the two men and remained silent the entire time, quietly stepped forward and handed over the official contract with Shin's permission.
Everyone craned their necks to get a look.
The document Calin had released online was merely the first page.
The contract clearly stipulated that the agreement would remain valid as long as the couple neither divorced nor engaged in any affairs.
Furthermore, only the assets registered under Shin Keir's personal name were included.
Upon closer inspection, it looked less like a transfer of wealth and more like a binding agreement.
Even so, the elders were far from pleased.
This was no longer simply about the assets.
To them, it was Shin lowering his head to a woman and an outsider. As the family head, such a gesture was absolutely unacceptable and an insult to the pride of the entire Keir clan.
Even if the marriage remained intact, it was essentially granting Yeri the authority to squander his fortune as she pleased.
Outsiders often assumed the elders had long since retired from company affairs and left everything to Shin and the younger generation.
In reality, however, they still retained immense influence. They possessed decades of connections, held considerable authority within the family, and were often the first to learn of anything concerning the company or important family matters.
Even Elder Madam Keir, despite her grand status as the family's matriarch, still had to defer to the council of elders in certain matters. Her assets and shares were audited annually because, regardless of how many years she had spent married to the late family head, she had originally been an outsider who married into the Keir family.
"Release an official statement declaring that the contract is fake and that Calin is merely desperate for revenge," the Head Elder immediately ordered.
He then turned to Shin.
"As for this contract, although the assets listed are under your name, they were inherited from your father. As a Keir, you have the responsibility to preserve that inheritance within the family, not hand it away as though it were a mere gift. This contract will be revoked, and the matter ends here."
"What about the chat records Calin released? The conversations between her and the Matriarch?" another elder asked.
The Head Elder merely waved a dismissive hand as if the issue were insignificant.
If necessary, they could simply compensate Calin Ricci. It would be nothing more than a drop in the ocean compared to the staggering wealth of the Keir family.
As copies of the contract were passed around, Hiro and his father both wore shocked, twisted expressions.
They had already seen the document, yet the figures written within still left them reeling, especially Hadi.
The contract listed not only Shin's assets as the Keir family head and CEO of KGG, but also his holdings in Hexion. The combined total amounted to hundreds of billions.
They all shared the same surname. Yet only now did they truly comprehend the extent of Shin Keir's personal wealth.
The difference between them was like the gap between heaven and earth.
And according to this contract...
Every single bit of it would one day belong to Yeri Zhi after their marriage.
"Shin, I'm truly disappointed in you. What were you thinking when you signed this contract? It's just a woman. Is she really worth giving up your entire life's work, all because you wanted to reassure her that she would never be wronged?"
Ellis scolded him, looking as pained as though those billions were pieces of his own flesh being torn away.
The others quickly chimed in, some criticizing him, others attempting to reason with him.
Shin, who had remained silent until now, suddenly let out a cold laugh.
The room instantly fell silent as his gaze swept across the gathering like a blade.
His assets were inherited from his father?
It seemed these people had forgotten that KGG had not been the powerhouse it was today when he inherited it. The one who had transformed it into a global conglomerate within a few short years was him.
As for Hexion, that company had been built entirely by his own hands from the ground up.
And just a woman?
Shin slowly turned his gaze toward Ellis Keir.
For some reason, Ellis felt an unprecedented sense of dread. Before he could react, an indescribable agony struck his head.
"AAARGH!" He clutched his skull and collapsed from his chair.
It felt as though an invisible axe had split his head in two, his body convulsed violently on the floor as foam gathered at the corners of his mouth.
The room erupted into chaos.
The attendants waiting outside were immediately summoned, along with the estate doctor.
"What's wrong with your father?" an elder beside Hiro asked in alarm. "Does he have any underlying illnesses?"
Hiro could only stare blankly at the scene. Naturally he didn't know. He had never seen his father like this before.
Visibly shaken, he watched as Ellis was hurriedly carried out of the room.
Only after the commotion subsided did Shin finally speak.
"I will not revoke the contract." His voice was devoid of anxiety, consideration, or hesitation. "If you truly believe that everything under my name came solely from my father's inheritance, then have the legal team separate those assets."
"You..." one elder sputtered in disbelief. "Do you think this is negotiable? This isn't just about the contract. You know perfectly well that this could ruin the company and severely impact every member of this family."
"Did that woman feed you something?" another elder demanded. "Child, you've always been sensible and rational. How have you suddenly changed so much?"
"Shin," another elder said more sternly, "we accepted that woman because you proved to us that you didn't need a spouse from an influential family to bring greater success to the company. But don't forget that those billions worth of contracts you've secured depend entirely on your credibility as CEO."
Another nodded, "The moment clients begin to doubt your judgment, the moment they believe you're no longer the prodigy you once were, those contracts can disappear overnight."
This was the true source of the elders' anxiety. The assets were merely the surface issue.
What truly frightened them was the possibility that Shin's emotional attachment to Yeri might affect his judgment.
As long as the business world continued to view him as an untouchable genius, the company's future remained secure.
But if the image of the perfect prodigy cracked... The consequences would ripple throughout the entire Keir empire.
"I already said I will not compromise. My assets belong to me. I alone decide who receives them." His gaze swept across the room. "And if you're all that concerned... Then effective today, I will resign from my position."
The words landed like a thunderclap and several elders shot to their feet.
The Head Elder's face darkened with fury.
He slammed his cane against the floor with enough force to echo through the hall.
"Shin!" he roared. "Are you rebelling now?!"
Rebelling?
He was already in his mid-twenties. More importantly, he had lived for thousands of years as a Demon King.
To be accused of rebellion like some unruly child was perhaps the biggest joke he had heard in centuries.
"Then should I change my surname as well?" Shin's calm question struck the room harder.
The Head Elder was so angry his chest heaved violently as he struggled to contain his anger.
In truth, not everyone present opposed the idea entirely.
Back then, with Shin's brilliance and extraordinary talent, he had undoubtedly been the most capable and ideal heir.
More importantly, he had devoted himself completely to the company. Though stubborn at times, he had never openly defied the elders.
But things were different now.
If they could no longer control him, then sooner or later he would become a threat.
Perhaps it was better to resolve the matter now and cut ties before it spiraled beyond their control.
"Let him leave," one elder said coldly. "Since he believes he no longer needs this family, then let him go."
Several others nodded in agreement.
Others looked reluctant, while some could barely conceal their growing resentment.
To them, Shin's attitude was nothing short of disrespectful.
"Why don't we temporarily appoint Tristan as CEO?" another elder suggested. "As the current Vice President, the transition shouldn't be difficult."
All eyes immediately shifted toward Tristan.
Tristan who had remained silent the entire meeting, as though he were merely decorative furniture, finally spoke.
"I'm not qualified. Besides, I'm currently being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Yeri. If I suddenly replace Shin, it will only confirm public speculation that there's an internal power struggle within the family. People would assume I've been scheming to replace him all along."
Damn it. There was no way he wanted that position.
If he became CEO, how was he supposed to continue showing up whenever he felt like it and disappearing whenever he pleased?
The elders continued discussing candidates, repeatedly circling back to either convincing Shin to stay or appointing Tristan as his replacement.
Listening to this, Hiro's expression darkened.
Was he invisible? Why were these elders only considering Tristan?
Just as he was about to speak, Hadi looked even worse. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he abruptly stood.
"If I may speak. I agree that Shin should step down, and I respectfully request that his accounts and management practices over the years be thoroughly investigated."
Several elders exchanged glances.
"As for his replacement, there should be a fair competition to determine who is truly the most qualified."
"Hahaha~"
A sudden laugh, dripping with sarcasm, echoed from the back corner of the room.
Hadi's expression immediately darkened seeing it was his wife, Serenity.
Seated comfortably in her chair, she covered her lips with one hand.
"My apologies," she said politely.
Hadi wanted to curse, but having already been reprimanded earlier, however, he could only glare at her viciously.
"I am also a Keir," he declared. "Over the years, my achievements may not be as impressive as Shin's, but my talent and hard work have always been devoted to this family."
Then he looked toward Shin. A mocking smile appeared on his face.
"Unlike someone who is so selfish that he thinks only of himself and dares to disrespect all of you."