Andrew smiled and asked, "Well, there it is. You want to stay in the Chamber but be free from my authority? Then what am I? Just a decoration sitting in the chairman's seat?"

Cillian arrogantly spat his lit cigar right onto the floor, the very picture of disrespect. Looking Andrew dead in the eye, he mocked, "I never called you a decoration… but if that's how you want to interpret it, I won't stop you."

Andrew was still all smiles. "Mr. Ulrich, I suggest you think this through. Our Chamber of Commerce runs on rules and structure. Your blatant disregard for the chairman's authority is dangerously close to insubordination."

Cillian's expression turned dark in an instant. "Andrew, quit acting tough in front of me! When I feel generous, I call you Mr. Lloyd. But when I'm in a bad mood? You're just another brat who doesn't matter!"

The mask was off, and he was not even pretending anymore.

The other board members exchanged amused glances.

They were all curious to see whether Andr