Emily heard this, a mix of anxiety and anger flushed her face, alternating between pale and red.
"How is this possible? She's delusional!"
She shouted uncontrollably. The Jones family's possessions should rightfully be Emily's.
Why does Deanna think she can steal them? Such despicable means!
Raphael, with a cold expression, his tone almost freezing, said, "You can't call the shots on this matter. Come, we're going to the Jones family immediately."
With that, he didn't even glance at Emily, turning and leaving the room.
Did he really intend to compromise with Deanna? The current problem was that they had no choice but to compromise!
Emily bit her lip, her expression complicated.
That night, Raphael took Emily back to the Jones family.
"Dad, Deanna contacted me, saying she wants both the shares and the properties. Otherwise, she'll spread the damaging evidence she holds against the Howard Group."
He said, his face grim, obviously hoping Garrett would compromise.
Garrett sighed, remaining silent for a while. These things were not insignificant, and he naturally didn't want to give them to Deanna.
But the future of the Jones family depended on the Howard Group. They couldn't afford to break ties.
He hesitated before saying, "For the sake of the Howard Group's safety, I can take some losses. I'll give her the two houses. But the shares involve the interests of the Jones Group; I can't give them to her. I can offer her a sum of money, two million, which should suffice."
Shares meant decision-making power. The Jones family's assets couldn't fall into Deanna's hands.
Raphael thought for a moment and was somewhat satisfied with Garrett's decision. He nodded, a hint of joy on his face.
"Thank you, Dad. I can cover the two million; it's the least I can do."
He relaxed a bit, giving Emily a warning glance.
Mia sat next to Garrett, just like Emily, observing silently, obviously unwilling.
They didn't want a single penny of the Jones family's wealth to fall into Deanna's hands. But neither of them spoke up against it because, in the current situation, there was no other choice.
There would be plenty of time to deal with Deanna once they got past this hurdle.
Early the next morning, Raphael called Deanna.
"We can compromise as long as you don't make the information public online."
Raphael sighed, telling her.
Deanna calmly responded, "I've prepared what needs to be prepared. Let's meet at two this afternoon, wherever you decide."
After agreeing on a location and hanging up, Old Ashley hesitated, "Deanna, isn't it risky for you to go alone?"
Both the Jones family and the Howard family were cunning and sly. She worried her granddaughter might suffer.
Deanna obviously considered this. She nodded, "Of course, it's not safe. We'll bring our lawyer along to prevent any tricks on their side."
Old Ashley finally relaxed, smoothing out her wrinkled brow.
Deanna didn't know many people in the legal field, so she ended up calling Lance.
"Mr. Mercer, could you lend me a lawyer?"
She briefly explained the situation and asked.
The Mercer Group's legal team was known for being formidable in the industry, never having faced defeat.
Lance readily agreed.
"Sure, I'll send someone over. They'll be at your place shortly."
Deanna thanked him, feeling relieved.
Half an hour later, the lawyer arrived. Upon seeing Deanna, he bowed, "Dr. Deanna, right? My name is Justin. Mr. Mercer sent me."
Deanna smiled, thanking the lawyer, "Thank you for coming."
In the afternoon, they went together to meet with representatives from the Jones and Howard families.
Emily, Raphael, and Garrett were already there, waiting for her.
Raphael's face was livid, clearly suppressing his anger.
Emily rolled her eyes, obviously resentful, fidgeting with her clothes.
Garrett frowned, clearly displeased. "You finally decided to show up."
His tone was sarcastic, irritating.
Deanna couldn't be bothered to put on a pleasant face for them, just stared at them coldly, not wanting to give them another glance.
She didn't waste time on pleasantries, opening with, "Where are the property deeds and stock certificates? Did you bring them?"
Her tone was decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.
Emily, upon hearing this, immediately grew furious.
She exaggeratedly scoffed, "Deanna, you're really greedy!"
Being glared at by Emily, Deanna just smirked, taunting, "Do you have the right to say that? Taking what belongs to others, yet you have the nerve to speak!"
Emily was about to retort when Garrett waved his hand, somewhat impatiently saying, "Enough, stop making a scene!"
His face dark, he tossed over the property deeds, impatiently stating, "Here are the two houses you wanted. Confirm them yourself."
Deanna raised an eyebrow, "What about the stock certificates?"
Garrett snorted coldly, making it clear, "The shares belong to my Jones family and will not be given to you. As a gesture of goodwill, I can offer you two million. Is that enough?"