Chapter 903

"There's no need to worry about my wife. I can take good care of her," Derrick smiled. "You should worry about yourself more." He turned to the police officers. "I'd like to make a report."

No one expected this turn of events. The supposedly dying Derrick was fine, and he intended to file a police report against Nathaniel, armed with concrete evidence. The crisis engulfing the Tanner family seemingly ended overnight. With Derrick's return, things had normalized. However, Tanner Corporation's upper management underwent radical changes; those who sided with Arianna and Nathaniel during the crisis were dismissed. Only then did people realize this was all part of Derrick's plan.

Although Tanner Corporation appeared prosperous, internal power struggles among management had long hampered its progress. Conflicts between Arianna's faction, the old guard, and those Joseph had secretly rallied, caused significant losses on several projects. Derrick had consistently mediated, containing the damage. However, aging, he knew he couldn't lead much longer. Giving the position to his son would invite opposition. He also recognized Arianna's ambition; he was willing to grant her shares and power, but her greed was evident. He knew of her machinations but chose not to expose her, uncertain what she might do if Benedict assumed control.

For his son, the company, and the Tanner family, he devised a plan to expose Arianna's true nature and eliminate troublemakers simultaneously. He underestimated Nathaniel, however, who nearly derailed his scheme. Fortunately, Derrick discovered Nathaniel's plot early, orchestrating a scenario where Nathaniel mistakenly believed he had successfully kidnapped him.

As a seasoned businessman, Derrick had contacts in law enforcement and the underworld. He was well aware of Nathaniel's accomplices' activities. It was naive of Nathaniel to believe those small-time gangsters could hold Derrick hostage; they were insignificant to him. The situation, however, proved advantageous, allowing Derrick to eliminate potential threats concurrently.

Many new faces filled the boardroom at Derrick's meeting. "I have two announcements. Firstly, I, Derrick Tanner, will step down as chairman of Tanner Corporation, taking a backseat." A collective gasp of shock rippled through the room. "Mr. Tanner..."

With the crisis over, they were bewildered by his decision, concerned about future challenges. "Don't panic," he raised a hand. "Even stepping down, I will continue assisting the new chairman. The only difference is that the new chairman will be making decisions."