“I…will… sign.” Eruc said in a whisper, but not loud enough for Alex to hear.
Alex of course heard it clearly but it made it more interesting he said, “what are you saying… Please speak a little bit louder.”
“I…I’ll sign!” Eric suddenly blurted out, his voice filled with panic.
“As long as you let this matter go, I’ll sign!” His words came in a rushed stream, his pride completely shattered. He looked at Alex with pleading eyes, desperation written all over his face.
Alex tilted his head slightly, observing Eric’s breakdown with an expression of mild amusement. With a small nod, he finally spoke.
“Good. As long as you sign, I’ll make sure this document stays buried.” He flicked the ash from his cigarette, his tone softening ever so slightly.
“And don’t worry—I won’t ask or try to get back the money you’ve already made.” He gestured lazily with the cigarette in hand. “You’ll still have enough to live a comfortable life with your wife and kids.”
Eric’s shoulders slumped, and a bitter smile crossed his face as he exhaled deeply.
“Thank… you… thank you… Alex,” he muttered, his voice barely audible.
He understood that Alex had already won, and resistance was futile. Alex had given him an exit—a chance to walk away with some dignity and a fraction of his wealth intact. It was far better than the alternative of getting a case on his life and then rotting in some prison for the rest of his life.
And that too while leaving his family alone, with the money Alex spared him with he could atleast live well for his life with his family.
Without wasting another moment, Eric picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed his name on the document.
The room fell silent, save for the faint scratch of the pen against paper As Eric signed on them.
….
In front of everyone, the company’s second-largest shareholder signed his name on the document. The rest of the shareholders were left utterly dumbfounded.
Their expressions ranged from shock to disbelief, and hushed murmurs began spreading through the room.
“What is Eric doing? Didn’t we agree to stick together?” one of them whispered, his face contorted in confusion.
“Exactly! How could he backtrack this quickly?” another chimed in, clenching his fists in frustration.
“Did he seriously sell his shares for ten dollars? What in the hell is that even supposed to mean?”
Their voices were tinged with disbelief, their unity starting to waver as doubt crept in.
Meanwhile, Eric handed the signed document back to Alex, his face wearing a forced, awkward smile.
“Alex, now that this is settled, may I take my leave?” Eric asked cautiously, bowing slightly.
Alex gave him a casual wave, his expression mocking yet composed. “Of course, Eric. Best of luck in your future endeavors. I hope fortune smiles on you wherever you go!”
Eric gave a stiff nod, forcing a smile on his face as he practically scurried out of the room, his back hunched like a man fleeing from a nightmare.
The remaining shareholders were left speechless as they watched him leave and that too in such a panic.
“Did he seriously give up all his shares and leave with a blessing?!” one of them finally burst out.
“Fortune smiles on him? More like he’ll get hit by a truck the moment he steps outside!”
Just as the muttering grew louder, Alex’s cold gaze swept across the room, silencing everyone instantly.
The atmosphere grew tense as the remaining shareholders froze under his piercing stare. A chill ran down their spines as they realized they were now his focus.
His icy demeanor seemed to pierce straight through them, and they could feel their confidence draining away.
“Everyone… stay strong!” one of them whispered, trying to rally the group.
“Eric may have betrayed us, but we can’t back down!”
“That’s right! We may have fewer shares, but we must stick together!” another added, his voice trembling but determined.
They exchanged nervous glances, nodding in agreement, trying to bolster their collective courage.
Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head. The sound was low but carried a sense of disdain.
“Ha! Where do you even get this ridiculous confidence to stand against me?” Alex leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over them like a predator sizing up its prey.
“Let me make this clear. After Eric’s departure, your combined shares don’t even add up to seven percent.”
His words cut through the room like a blade. The shareholders’ faces paled, and some began shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
“What authority do you think… you have in front of me?” Alex’s tone was calm, yet the weight of his words left no room for argument.
Before they could muster a response, Alex’s voice grew colder.
“From this moment on, I hereby announce…” He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he delivered his next words with absolute finality. “The year-end dividends for the shareholders are officially canceled!”
The room erupted in stunned gasps, but Alex wasn’t finished.
“Furthermore, all privileges and benefits for shareholders within the company are hereby revoked!” He waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing away their protests before they could even begin.
The remaining shareholders were stunned into silence.
“What?! No, this can’t be happening!” one of them muttered, his voice trembling. Their pale faces showed the dawning realization of how powerless they truly were.
For them, the only perks of holding shares in the company were the year-end dividends and the exclusive benefits. With those stripped away, their shares were practically worthless.
Worse still, given the circumstances, no one in the market would even consider buying their shares.
“What’s the point of holding onto this stock now?” one of them muttered bitterly, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Alex! Please, don’t do this!” one of them cried out, his tone desperate.
“If it’s the shares you want, I’ll sell them! I’ll sell them right now!”
“Me too! I’m willing to sell my shares as well!” another chimed in hurriedly.
Just a minute ago, they had been rallying together to resist Alex’s dominance. Now, they were tripping over one another in their rush to sell their shares.
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Bonus Chapters on: 300, 500, 700 Power Stones.
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(A/N: Soon! Some Golden tickets guys!!!)
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