Chapter 4

*Click.* He hung up after roaring, not even giving me a chance to retort.

"Revoke my shareholder status?"

I murmured to myself.

"Damian, have you forgotten how this company grew from a small workshop to what it is today? Do you really think your 40% stake gives you the right to do whatever you want, to control everything?"

My mind raced. I held 30% of the shares, and the other six senior executives held 30%.

Whose slice of the pie was he planning to take to bring Skylar in?

No matter whose, he was digging his own grave.

I still called Skylar's client, even paying out of my own pocket to send them a gift.

I also promised that starting next quarter, all discounts and promotions would be set at 90%.

It took a lot of effort, but I finally appeased the client.

Chloe, who had been listening quietly beside me, finally couldn't hold back.

She spoke with indignation.

"Auntie! Why are you still cleaning up Skylar Reed's messes? She's just a shameless woman who only knows how to seduce men! It was her own stupidity that caused this trouble, and Uncle Damian… he's just unbelievable!"

I raised a hand to stop her.

"Chloe, Auntie will teach you another lesson today. In business, you can cross people, but you should never cross money."

"As for Skylar Reed… let her gloat. The higher she jumps now, the harder she'll fall later. Don't worry, I have a plan."

I stood up, picked up my purse and jacket.

"Get ready. I have a meeting with the trust company tomorrow. That's the most important thing right now."

After all, securing my rightful assets was what truly mattered.

This company, which was about to go bankrupt, Damian and Skylar could have it if they wanted it!

Skylar Reed's project was successfully signed.

Damian threw a celebration dinner for her.

In the ballroom of a five-star hotel, Skylar raised her glass, her face radiant with triumph.

Several empty bottles of Romanée-Conti littered the table.

All the project department employees were there, their faces filled with sycophantic smiles.

I expressionlessly scrolled through her social media. Below, it was a stream of likes and fawning comments.

"Skylar, you're amazing!"

"Please look out for us, CEO Skylar!"

Skylar replied below.

"Once I become a shareholder, I'll give everyone a raise!"

Below, there were countless likes and flattering remarks.

A cold smile played on my lips. Several of the company veterans hadn't liked or commented.

It seemed not all hearts were lost yet.

Just then, my phone vibrated violently. It was Damian calling.

"Ellie, what are you doing? Have you seen social media? Skylar did something amazing for the company today! As a company shareholder, why aren't you showing some support? Leave a comment, a like, set an example for the newcomer!"

I rolled my eyes and said calmly.

"I don't make a habit of constantly checking other people's social media. I have a lot of work to do."

Damian clicked his tongue, his tone laced with displeasure and suspicion.

"You've been in Sea City for a week now, haven't you? What project is so tricky that Ms. Vance needs to personally tackle it for so long?"

His mind was clearly drifting further and further from work. I chuckled, a hint of mockery in my voice.

"The ABV company project. A two hundred million dollar budget! Our competitor, Mr. Sterling, has been here for over a month, personally overseeing it. If you think it's easy, why don't you try it, Mr. Thorne?"

The other end of the phone went silent for a moment. Damian seemed to sober up a bit.

He knew very well the importance of the ABV project; it was a huge deal he knew he couldn't handle.

I seized the moment, my voice returning to a calm tone.

"Don't worry, though, things are almost wrapped up here. I'll be back tomorrow, right on time for the shareholder meeting."