317 THE RIGHTFUL CHAIRMAN

"I believe Ms. Zoe has all the qualifications that she needs to run this hospital. She is a doctor with a MHA degree. She has experiences in the field and knowledge in hospital administration."

Cayden spoke up on her behalf, which didn't surprise Zoe as he always stood up for her whenever other people would undermine her. 

In fact, she recalled situations where he also stood up for people who were being bullied even if they were complete strangers.

She would not be astounded if she learned that he was heading the rally for the hospital staff who would be relocated just because they cannot provide enough revenue for the hospital.

"There's no need to get yourself worked up, Mr. Zhiang. I am not planning to take over the company. Just to take it away from those who are not worthy to even speak its name in honor of the people who have founded it."

Zoe's eyebrow shot up with her lips curled in an intimidated grin. Her blood was boiling against her known uncle who was like a wolf in sheep's clothing. But not with his son. She shifted her glance at Cayden who was just standing at the corner and observing the whole scenario.

"I will be entrusting the chairmanship to the person who has been loyal to this hospital since he started and I believe is now in a position where he can legally handle it. Mr. Cayden Zhiang, will you please step forward?"

She gave him an encouraging smile, going she could somehow alleviate the shock in Cayden's face as he gazed at her with his mouth dropped open.

"M-me?" He lifted his eyeglasses as they were about to drop on the floor. The directors looked at him and then at one another.

"I was really expecting him to be the next chairman before Mr. Koby and Ms. Zoe appeared in the scene. He is impartial and objective and has already experiences in management committee involvement."

"He has been with us and he has knowledge of the hospital's key networks. He also has understanding of the voluntary and community sectors as well."

They seemed to like Cayden but it was Cayden who didn't want to take part in it.

"I don't think I can handle the leadership position. I am already content with my job, working with my colleagues." 

"And that is why you are most suitable, Mr. Cayden. A true leader doesn't want to boss around but to work with the team in one vision." One of the directors said to encourage him, making the others agree which made Zoe smile. 

She has seen it in Cayden even when they were kids. He is the one who was always supporting the people around him to their fullest potential. She knew it was innate in him. And she believed it is a great trait of someone who will lead her father's company. Even if he is not her direct relative.

However, Koby seemed to be the crueler older brother kind as he intervened and walked over to Cayden.

"There is a reason why my father did not groom him to be the next chairman and called me instead even though I lived far away. He is a weakling."

Zoe's eyes widened as she looked back at Cayden. His jaw was clenched as he must have been reminded of the words that his Uncle always told him when he was a kid as Zoe overheard sometimes. 

"You will never grow up to be a chairman. You're too weak." 

Zoe felt sympathetic for him as it must be one of the reasons why he has a low confidence in leadership as he grew up. But she was surprised that Cayden stood up for himself this time. 

"You could ask my colleagues about that."

She gazed at him as his face suddenly transformed into a determined one. 

'Perhaps he also evolved through the years as he learned of what he is capable of.'

"He's not weak!" A voice from the door spoke up. One of the directors opened up the door and saw the eavesdropping staff crumpled against it. 

Since they were already exposed, they took their courage to defend Cayden. 

"He has led us to stay on our jobs even when we feel like quitting numerous times."

"Not only that. He has also provided strategies so we could be efficient at our job and we could have time to go home early and be with our families. So it isn't a burden whenever he delegates a task to us."

Cayden smiled at them even though he was surprised to see them in this meeting with the board.

Zoe couldn't help but feel proud for her cousin who seemed to gain faithful supporters through the years. She felt that her decision will be stable in the years to come. 

"That being said, I now transfer the rights of chairmanship to Mr. Cayden Zhiang. Do you all agree with me?"

Everyone's hands shot up in one accord, making Zoe bow her head to them and then to Cayden. 

"You're making the wrong choice." Koby said as he felt embarrassed that there's no one who even voted against him. 

"I'll be proving you wrong, brother." Cayden narrowed his eyes on him and emphasized the word brother.

Now it was his own father who stood up. Zoe looked at Cayden as he gulped and looked downward, probably not wanting to hear any downgrading remark from his father at that time. 

However, he received a different response.

"I have no contentions against it. Congratulations, son."

He stood up and embraced him. Zoe wanted to warn Cayden that he must not let his guards down but it seemed that he already knew as he pulled him away from him.

"Thank you, Father. Still you need to pay for what you have done."

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The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things.