Chapter 5

Damian gave an "Oh," then tentatively asked.

"Uh, you've seen the agenda and proposals for the shareholder meeting, right?"

My gaze swept over the equity transfer proposal on my computer screen. My voice remained calm.

"Yes, I've seen it."

He was silent for a second, then asked cautiously.

"So… do you have any objections?"

I smiled indifferently.

"No objections."

From the other end of the phone, I heard his sigh of relief, his voice instantly becoming relaxed and triumphant again.

"That's good! That's good! Ellie, I knew you were sensible! You've worked hard, get some good rest tonight. See you tomorrow!"

Before he finished speaking, Skylar Reed's sweet, simpering voice came through the phone.

"Damian, come on! I want to drink a loving cup with you! Mwah!"

Damian hastily muffled the receiver. I pretended not to hear and simply hung up.

【Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad.】

It seemed the old saying was absolutely right.

I smiled coldly.

The night was still long.

And the show was about to begin.

At the shareholder meeting, Skylar Reed walked in wearing a professional suit. Her gaze swept across the room, finally settling on the chair next to the head of the table.

It was my seat.

The faces of several veteran shareholders immediately darkened, their gazes turning to me with concern.

I smiled faintly, unhurriedly walked to the third seat down the long table, and sat down calmly.

Damian seemed quite pleased with my "discretion," cleared his throat, and announced the start of the meeting.

"I propose that Ms. Skylar Reed of the Project Department be exceptionally granted company shareholder status, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the company recently."

Before he finished speaking, Mr. Henderson, a senior shareholder, slammed his hand on the table.

"I object! Skylar Reed has only been with us for three months, and she's made a pile of major mistakes! What right does she have to become a shareholder? How many diligent, long-serving employees in this company haven't had this opportunity!"

Another executive, Mr. Davies, also sneered in agreement.

"Outstanding contributions? I heard the deal she just signed was also secured with Ms. Vance's remote assistance, wasn't it? How does the credit for that just fall to her?"

Damian's face instantly turned grim.

"Why dwell on past minor mistakes? Skylar is a quick learner and has made rapid progress! The MegaCorp project she just signed was secured by her independently!"

"Ellie, tell them, whose credit is the MegaCorp deal, really?"

All eyes immediately focused on me.

I slowly lifted my head, my voice clear and steady.

"The credit, of course, goes to Skylar Reed. She's young and capable, full of drive. She did indeed… contribute to that project."

Skylar immediately breathed a sigh of relief, her back straightening, an unconcealed look of triumph on her face.

Damian also smiled with satisfaction, a hint of "I knew you were sensible" approval in his gaze toward me.

Mr. Henderson and the others, however, were wide-eyed, staring at me in disbelief, their eyes filled with disappointment and incomprehension.

Damian struck while the iron was hot, his momentum growing.

"Excellent! Since her contribution is outstanding, she should be given a commensurate reward! I propose granting Skylar Reed 20% of the company shares!"

"Twenty!"

Mr. Davies gasped in shock.

"That makes her the third-largest shareholder directly! More shares than us?"

Damian shook his head, a smile playing on his lips, his gaze falling on me once more.

"Not third, but second."

"Ellie Vance, you have 30% of the shares, don't you? You'll transfer 20% to Skylar. From now on, keeping 10% will be enough for you. You've been tired lately anyway; this is a good chance for you to rest more."

At these words, the entire room fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone was stunned by this blatant usurpation.

Mr. Henderson shot to his feet, his face ashen, seemingly wanting to curse but too furious to speak.

"Ms. Vance! This… this is outrageous! You can't agree to this!"

Under everyone's tense gaze, I slowly smiled.

Sure enough, the only pie he dared to touch was mine.

I slowly, firmly, raised my right hand.

"I agree."