Chapter 165 A Cunning Little Fox
Serena let out a cold laugh, her attitude screaming 'couldn't care less' as she faced everyone in the room. Solo against the entire group, she somehow managed to radiate an air of complete superiority.
Seeing this, Chase scrambled to explain to Alan. "Mr. Rothwell, apologies for the spectacle. She and I have been... having some difficulties lately. Please, sit. Let's talk."
Alan finally dragged his gaze from Serena and took his seat.
The meeting started on time. Chase breathed a subtle sigh of relief and launched into his company pitch.
Except he noticed Alan's attention drifting. An investor watching management at each other's throats? Even the most promising company would raise red flags under those circumstances.
Anxiety crept in. Chase kept talking while mentally planning how to explain this mess to Alan later. He couldn't let Serena torpedo this investment opportunity.
But Alan didn't even let him finish. He stood abruptly. "Mr. Whitmore, I need to use the restroom. We'll continue in a moment."
Chase jumped up. "Let me show you—"
"No need." Alan waved him off and headed out.
Chase seized the opportunity to march over to Serena. His tone mixed frustration with severity. "Serena, even if you're angry with me, can you not throw a tantrum right now? Mr. Rothwell is an investor I worked hard to bring in. He's very interested in our company. He's from New Valley, serious family wealth. If he joins the Chasey Group, we'll never have to worry about funding again."
Serena wanted to laugh. Her expression turned mocking, enigmatic. "You think that highly of this Mr. Rothwell? Did you run a background check?"
Chase nodded eagerly. "Of course I did. You've heard of Apex Tower and Galaxy Plaza in New Valley, right? Both Rothwell family properties."
Those were from twenty years ago—the Rothwell Group's most successful projects. Common knowledge.
What he didn't mention was the Rothwell family's steep decline over the past decade. Any deeper digging would reveal Alan getting kicked out of the family. Would reveal Serena as the Rothwell family's other daughter.
Obviously, Chase had only scratched the surface.
Watching his smug expression, Serena's lips curved. "Fine. Since you've done your homework, I've got nothing to add. But let's be clear—you brought in this investor, you handle it. I'm not giving up twenty percent of my shares."
Chase glared at her. "Serena, can you stop being so damn stubborn? Don't you want to help the Chasey Group survive this? Think about how hard we worked to grow from a tiny startup to thousands of employees. If the Chasey Group fails, thousands of people lose their jobs. Thousands of families suffer. Serena, you said it yourself—people in our position have a social responsibility. Those were your words. Have you forgotten?"
Chase's passionate speech moved several people around the table.
Serena remained unmoved.
She caught a glimpse of movement at the door—Alan returning from the restroom. Another soft laugh escaped her. She nodded. "You're right. Those were my words. And I do want to cooperate. But asking you to give up twenty percent at once is unreasonable—it would undermine your position. How about this instead? I'll propose a solution."
Chase bit back his irritation. "Go ahead."
"You contribute ten percent. The shareholders here contribute five percent proportionally. I'll cover the remaining five. How's that?"
Silence blanketed the room.
Serena's proposal was fair and reasonable.
But the Chasey Group had only hit trouble recently—it had been profitable for years. Even minor shareholders enjoyed their dividends. Nobody wanted to give up their piece.
And Chase definitely didn't want to surrender ten percent. That would leave him with only twenty-two percent—barely two points above the new investor. His control would be precarious.
He rejected the idea immediately. "Five percent is my maximum."
Serena showed zero surprise. She sipped her coffee leisurely. "Mr. Whitmore, let's not forget—the Chasey Group's current problems are your fault. You should bear the greatest responsibility."
Chase's expression darkened visibly.
Serena continued smoothly. "Of course, this is just my suggestion. If you all disagree, fine by me. After all, if none of you are willing to give up your shares, why should I hand over twenty percent? At the end of the day, my shares are mine. If I sell them, that money is mine. I'm not throwing it at the company for free—just like none of you are willing to contribute, right?"
Nobody had a comeback.
Serena relaxed in her chair, sipping coffee like she didn't have a care in the world. Whatever they decided had nothing to do with her. The company's future wasn't her problem.
Chase looked ready to explode.
Then Alan walked back in, acting like nothing had happened, like he'd heard nothing.
The shareholders' faces instantly brightened with ingratiating smiles.
Serena stayed quiet, slowly swiveling in her chair, watching everyone with amusement. She looked like a cunning little fox.
Alan caught her expression and raised an eyebrow slightly. Trying to trap him? She was thinking too small.
Meanwhile, Serena's words had rattled Chase. He turned to Alan uncertainly. "Mr. Rothwell, shall we continue?"