Evelyn leveled his intimidating stare.
"It’s a withdrawal letter, Ms. Darkwood," Preston said. "Everyone within this room has decided to exit and sell their shares of TDG."
"What?" she snapped.
He chuckled. "You own seventy percent of TDG as you said. Your words held more power and our dissatisfaction ant nothing. You made that clear. Well, you see, none of us within this room are happy with your decision to write a will, more so to pen down Zayne Mancini as your successor."
"aning what?" Evelyn asked, attentive.
"aning, it’s either you take back such an impulsive decision or lose your shareholders. Every single one of us." He steepled his fingers. "You can’t make any more excuses now. I’m sure you and I are both aware your life is no longer in any sort of danger."
Oh?
Had he canceled the initial hit on her? Was that why she didn’t feel those creepy eyes herself watching her anymore for a chance to take her out?
She was silent, glancing at every soul within that room. Lincoln was quiet, clearly having agreed to the decision as well.
"I see," she muttered.
"So?" Preston regarded her with an expectant look. "What are you going to do? Everyone is ready to leave, surely you’re not going to bring TDG to its knees for your... lover," he enunciated the word. "Not to ntion, they will be selling their shares to . I’m sure you know what that ans for you, right?"
The rest of the shareholders placed their withdrawal docunts on the glass table as well. Now, all that was needed was her decision.
If she still proved stubborn, then she’d have to sign her signature on those papers.
They peered at her like hunters hunting their prey. But she held their gazes equally. Thinking.
Oh, Preston.
He was going to do anything to back her into the corner, even if it ant gathering these people like his minions.
What exactly did he take her for? So coward who would dance to his tune at every little minor inconvenience?
What an idiot. Did he forget Zayne Mancini was standing with her? And that he owned twenty percent shares. Joined with hers, that made it a ninety.
She was on a strong boat here. His plan wasn’t enough because she could still block any proposal, deal, or manipulation that could possibly benefit his company.
Ah...so that’s what it is...
Preston cared about nothing more than his own company. And in the process of crushing her, he was going to build himself up to TDG level.
Of course. It all made sense now.
She let out a soft sigh, shaking her head.
"Is that really your decision?"
"What does it look like, sis—"
"You will address with respect, Ms. Lyra. We’re at work, not at ho." She flashed her a slight smile.
Every eye turned towards Lyra, which didn’t exclude Preston and Brandon who pinched their brows.
Her hands balled by her sides, the obvious rage she felt, rising up her spine. She flickered her lashes, forcing a smile, "My apologies, Ms. Darkwood." And then she sat back down.
Evelyn looked away from her. "I ask again," she said. "Is this really your final decision?"
A lot of them seed reluctant, but when Mr. Roman was the first to answer, "Yes." The rest followed, agreeing to the sa terms.
The only people left were Brandon and Lincoln.
Preston tilted his head to the side. "Uncle? Brandon? Are you two having second thoughts?"
Lincoln shook his head. "It isn’t like that."
"Then what are you waiting for?" Preston pressed relentlessly.
Lincoln looked at him. What was the point of resisting? He was completely under the boys’ control. Choice was not in his dictionary and it was no one’s fault but his.
He let out a deep breath. "My...decision is the sa as theirs."
Evelyn seed uncaring. She didn’t even make eye contact with him.
The look on his face fell, but he held himself together, showing no emotions.
"Brandon, what about you?" Lyra asked. "Why aren’t you saying anything?"
Brandon shot his gaze over to Evelyn. She was staring him down, the expression she held unreadable.
What was holding him back?
Why wasn’t he leaving out his withdrawal papers just like everyone else? It wasn’t as if he’d co here not knowing he was going to be doing that.
His fingers raked through his hair as he set aside the paper on the table. They were all complete and now the only thing being expected was her decision.
Would she trash the will? Or would she keep proving stubborn?
Evelyn was quiet. If they all withdrew, the only shareholder left would be Zayne. Still.
Dropping her palms against the table, she rattled her chair back and rose to her feet.
"Lucia. Pen."
Everyone frowned.
Pen?
For what?
The door pushed open, and her assistant Lucia ca rushing in. She bowed to her and to the shareholders before handing a fountain pen over to her.
Evelyn sighed, shaking her head. "Since every one of you has co to a decision like this, who am I to stop you?"
"aning?" Preston questioned.
She cocked her head to the side, giving a slight shrug. "I’m not going to stop anyone. I’m sure you all thought so hard before you decided to call for this eting. I’ll respect your wishes because I don’t intend to change my decision."
They were taken aback by her stubbornness. For sure, they’d expected her to succumb, after all, she was losing all her shareholders, except Zayne Mancini of course.
But what was a corporation without so many investors?
What kind of woman was this?
They all grimaced, glancing at each other. None of this was going according to plan. Preston seed sure that she would give in. This was Evelyn they were talking about.
Did she not care for the company or what? Or was she willing to just watch it burn to the ground if it ant she could keep her pride?
That had to be it. An act of pride.
"We’re not only selling our shares to Mr. Darkwood over here," Marcella said. "But we’ll be investing in his company."
That made Evelyn who’d penned down her signature on each paper, pause. "Oh?" She locked eyes with her. "Is that so?"
"Indeed. No offense. But it seems more promising than whatever you’re doing with TDG."
Her lips stretched into a faint smile and she nodded, understanding. "Alright, then. Do as you see fit. The decision is all yours. This eting is dismissed."
Evelyn left before they could say a word. The mont the door was slamd shut, Preston chuckled, shaking his head condescendingly. "Ah... My sweet stupid little sister."
Lyra smirked so widely, eyes cruel. "Preston," she muttered his na.
Preston exhaled. "Now, the real damage shall begin. She thinks this is the end of it."
Brandon stared in confusion.
End of what?
What were they talking about? Had they made a plan without him?
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