Chapter 7
587words
In the car, he seemed about to speak several times but hesitated. Finally, he just handed me a medical report.
"Father's condition has worsened. He's been moved to intensive care."
Ethan spoke in a low voice. "The board has decided that I will temporarily take over as chairman."
The diagnosis on Mr. Grant's medical report stated late-stage liver cancer, with a survival period of at most three months.
"So you finally got what you wanted," I handed the documents back to Ethan. "Congratulations, CEO Grant."
Ethan cut me off impatiently. "Iris, now is not the time for this. We need to present a united front."
I gave a light chuckle. "Haven't we always been united? You handle the romancing, I clean up the mess."
"I know you hate me, but Grant Corp is under attack from all sides. Father is dying, the uncles are circling like vultures, and our competitors smell blood in the water."
I looked at Ethan quietly. "And?"
Ethan took a deep breath. "I'm asking you to help me weather this storm as Mrs. Grant."
This was the first time I'd heard the word "asking" come out of Ethan's mouth.
"Your terms?" I asked directly.
"All my shares in the South City Project—worth about 800 million. Help me get through this crisis, and they're yours."
The South City Project was Grant Corporation's flagship development for the next three years—a significantly valuable offering.
"What about Jade?" I asked.
Ethan's eyes darkened. "She's gone. Took a settlement and went abroad."
I nodded. "At least you're thinking clearly now. Not letting your little head do the thinking for your big one."
At the family meeting that evening, several uncles immediately launched their attack against Ethan.
"Ethan is young and inexperienced. It would be better to have several elders jointly manage the company during this transition."
"That's right. The boy can't even handle his personal affairs. How can he possibly manage our entire corporation?"
Several distant relatives nodded in agreement. As Ethan prepared to defend himself, I gently pressed his arm.
"Uncle Harrison, Uncle Howard—you make excellent points," I smiled sweetly. "However, I wonder what Father would think about you secretly acquiring shares to challenge Ethan at the next shareholders' meeting?"
Harrison's face immediately darkened. "Iris, what nonsense are you talking about?"
I pulled out a copy of the shareholder registry and slid it across the table.
"You two have increased your stakes by 3% and 2.5% respectively. Combined with your original holdings, it's enough to cause significant trouble at the shareholders' meeting."
I continued: "However, you seem to have forgotten that I now control 35% of Grant Corporation's shares. As long as I support Ethan, your little coup is dead in the water."
Howard jabbed a finger toward my face. "You! You're an outsider! What right do you have to interfere in Grant family affairs?"
"By right of being Ethan's lawfully wedded wife—and by these 35% shares."
I stood up, scanning the room. "Now, does anyone else wish to question my husband's leadership abilities?"
No one answered. Dead silence filled the room.
After the meeting, Ethan followed me back to the study.
"How did you know about them acquiring those shares?" he asked.
I slowly removed my earrings in front of the mirror. "I've known all along."
Ethan approached me slowly. "What else do you know?"
I turned to face him. "For instance, your father didn't fall ill naturally. Someone's been poisoning him."
