Chapter 102
Stella pulled out another document. “The Hayes family has transferred 20% of their shares to me. My grandmother has given me her 30%. That – now hold 50th of this company’s equity. Like it or not, I am in control”
The room fell silent as the document was passed around, disbelief etched on every face.
Stella still walked with a limp. Though she’d gained some weight and looked healthier than before, the doubt in their eyes was palpable. “A woman? Ho college degree? Missing for three years how could she possibly rum a company!
Stella smirked, reading their thoughts. “You think I’ll ruins everything, don’t you? Fine. Let’s make a wager”
Her voice sharpened. “I don’t exceed your expectations, I’ll distribute my 50% stake evenly among every single one of you. But if I succeed? You’ll obey me–without question. So… do you have the guts to bet against me?”
Jasper was the first to scoff. “Why not? Either way, we come out ahead.” He shrugged, and the others murmured in agreement. Money was money, after all–who cared where it came from?
Stella didn’t hesitate. She drated the agreement on the spot, placing it in the center of the table–a visible reminder of their wager. The timeline? One year. No one had the patience to wait longer.
Just as the meeting was about to adjourn, the doors swung open. A sharply dressed man strode in, and whispers rippled through the room. the special assistant from Erwin Group? Why’s he here?”
“Isn’t that
The man’s gaze locked onto Stella. “Ms. Hayes,” he said smoothly, “congratulations on securing control of the company. To celebrate, Mr. Jordan Erwin- your husband has sent you a gift. He extended a file toward her with both hands.
Stella took it, brows furrowing. The assistant gestured for her to open it. Her breath hitched. Investment. Three billion. She looked up, stunned. “Mc. Erwin, he
The assistant smiled. “He believes in your capabilities. He has full confidence in your leadership and wants to support Hayes Group’s revival.” His tone was polished, rehearsed. “Consider this a vote of confidence and a wish for your company’s swift return to glory.”
Stella’s throat tightened. She’d reviewed the company’s finances before this meeting Hayes Group wasn’t in ruins–yet. But without investors, it was only a matter of time. Max had kept it afloat with scraps, but his ambition had always outweighed his ethics.
“Unless you have objections,” the assistant prompted, “Mr. Erwin requests your signature.”
Stella exhaled “Of course.” She signed with a steady hand.
The assistant pulled out his phone, diating Erwin Group’s finance department. “Transfer the funds. 1.5 billion from the company, 1.5 billion from Mr. Erwin’s personal account.”
Everyone was stunned. Then a finance officer burst into the room, face flushed. “The–the money’s here. Three billion, just cleared.”
Jasper and the others gaped.
The assistant pocketed his phone, satisfied. “Then our business is concluded, Ms. Hayes. Mr. Erwin said to call him anytime.” He gave a slight bow before turning to leave. Stella motioned for her own assistant to escort him out.
Jasper stared at her, reassessing. So it wasn’t just a marriage of convenience after all
When Jordan announced his engagement to Stella, the world had assumed it was a PR stunt. Who would marry a woman with her history? Investors had cheered, stocks had soared–but everyone thought it was temporary. A calculated move.
Yet here was Jordan, throwing down a hundred billion without hesitation. Was this… real?
For Hayes Group, the injection of capital was transformative. With those funds, Stella could rebuild the company from the ground up.
1/2
Chapter 102
Stella stepped into the executive office, her eyes immediately landing on the dual desks one large, one smaller. Aclear power dynamic: while played at being CEO, Andrew had always pulled the strings from the shadows, Pathetic, really.
She called for an assistant. “Get rid of the smaller desk.”
Ricky entered instead, resignation letter in hand. “I won’t be taking orders from you. I’m quitting” He slid the paper across her desk.
Stella didn’t even glance at it. “Approved.”
Ricky hesitated, then turned to leave–only to pause at the door. “You really think you can run this place alone?”
Still not looking up, Stella replied coolly, “I’m generous. Stay, and I’ll value you as much as they did. Leave, and I won’t stop you. As for whether I need help–that’s none of your concern.”
Ricky stiffened. “just”
“Save it” Finally, she met his eyes. “You’re loyal to Max. You think this is temporary, that he’ll take back control eventually. But deep down, you know better.”
“With fifty percent of the shares, that’s never happening. You’re leaving because you’re afraid I’ll sideline you.” She shrugged. Fice. I don’t believe in holding people hostage. Good luck.”
Ricky’s breath caught. They’d barely interacted, yet she’d read him perfectly. After years of working under Andrew and Max, he’d never encountered someone as sharp as Stella. The difference was staggering.
He knew Max would rage when he returned, demanding to know why Ricky hadn’t fought harder to protect his interests.
But after today’s meeting, Ricky had no illusions–he was outmatched. Part of him admired Stella, but switching sides would feel like betraying Man. Without another word, he walked out.
Stella immediately posted an internal announcement: Open call for a new executive assistant. Apply now.
She summoned security
ty to remove Max’s belongings, then purged every trace of Andrew from the office. After ordering new supplies and meeting HR, she finally picked up her phone.
Jordan answered on the first ring. “Tonight… I’d like to take you to dinner,” she said, her voice softer than usual,
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