Chapter 107 Hostile Takeover?

Chapter 107 Hostile Takeover?


\-Celeste-

“... Vaughn Capital has increased its position to twelve percent.”

The announcement silenced the boardroom.

I looked from one director to another before settling my gaze on Mr. Carter, our Chief Financial Officer.

“Twelve percent?” I repeated. “When did that happen?”

“They've been buying shares quietly over multiple trading sessions,” he replied. “Most of the purchases came from minority shareholders who decided to sell after the recent instability surrounding the company.”

I lowered the report in my hands. “And no one thought to mention this sooner?”

“We monitored the activity,” Denise answered from beside me. “At first, it looked like routine market movement. It only became concerning when we realized every block of shares was ending up in the same hands.”

I looked back at the figures.

Ashford Group had weathered recessions, lawsuits, hostile competitors, and failed acquisitions over the years.

Yet somehow, twelve percent written on a piece of paper made my chest tighten.

“Does Vaughn Capital have a history with us?” I asked.

“No,” Mr. Carter replied. “They've never held a significant position in Ashford Group before.”

Another director cleared his throat. “They're one of the most aggressive investment firms in the country.”

“They're also one of the most successful,” someone added. “They don't invest this heavily unless they believe they'll influence the direction of a company.”

I rested my hands on the conference table. “Influence doesn't equate control.”

“No,” Mr. Carter agreed. “But influence grows.”

He pressed a button on the remote, and another chart appeared on the screen. “This shows our current shareholder distribution.”

Grandmother's estate remained the largest voting block.

Then mine.

The remaining shares were divided among institutional investors, investment funds, company executives, and thousands of smaller shareholders.

Mr. Carter pointed to the screen.

“If Vaughn continues acquiring shares at this pace, they'll become one of our largest outside shareholders.”

He leaned forward. “Which gives them leverage, request seats on committees and influence board decisions.”

Another director folded his hands.

“They could even begin lobbying other shareholders before major votes.”

The room fell quiet again. I understood what they were saying.

Twelve percent couldn't take Ashford Group away from me. But it could make leading it considerably more difficult.

A woman seated near the end of the table spoke carefully.

“The market is watching us very closely. They are asking whether Ashford Group can remain stable after Patricia Ashford's passing.”

I nodded.

“I know.”

"They're also asking whether the investigations surrounding James Ashford will affect the company's reputation.”

My jaw clenched. “I know that too.”

She hesitated before continuing. “And they're asking whether the company's new president has enough experience to navigate all of this.”

That one stung, because it was honest.

I had inherited one of the largest conglomerates in the country overnight. No amount of preparation could have made me ready for that.

Another director spoke before I could answer. “Ma'am, this isn't a criticism.”

“It certainly feels like one.”

“It isn't.”

He met my eyes. “The board supports you.”

A few directors nodded.

“But confidence isn't built inside this room,” he continued. “It's built in the market. And right now, the market is nervous.”

I looked around the table. “So what exactly are you proposing?”

The oldest director adjusted his glasses. “I think it's time we spoke to Vaughn Capital. It may prevent unnecessary conflict.”

Several heads nodded in agreement.

I leaned back slowly. “And if they refuse to cooperate?”

The room fell silent, no one seemed eager to answer that question.

After that, the meeting adjourned without a single vote being taken.

That worried me more than if there had been one.

As the directors filed out of the boardroom, several of them stopped to offer polite smiles and words of encouragement.

None of it eased the weight settling on my shoulders.

Denise waited until the room had emptied before walking over.

“You handled that well.”

I let out a quiet laugh. “I don't think I did.”

“You didn't panic.”

“I wanted to.”

She closed the folder in front of me with a grin. “I think you've had enough for the day.”

—

By the time I arrived home that evening, my head was pounding.

The moment I stepped through the front door, the smell of dinner greeted me.

Lucien appeared from the kitchen carrying two plates.

I blinked at him in surprise.

He smiled in return. “You look exhausted.”

“I feel worse.”

He smiled sympathetically. “Come eat.”

I followed him to the dining table. For the first few minutes, neither of us spoke.

The silence was comforting, and the meal was delicious.

Eventually, he set his fork down. “So.”

I looked up.

“Tell me about your day.”

I sighed.

“Vaughn Capital now owns twelve percent of Ashford Group.”

His expression immediately became more serious. “Twelve?”

I nodded. “The board thinks I should meet with them.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think... I don't know what they want.”

He considered that for a moment. “They probably want exactly what every investment firm wants. Influence.”

I frowned. “Twelve percent doesn't give them control.”

“No.” He shook his head. “But it gives them a voice.”

He leaned back in his chair.

“If investors continue selling because they're nervous, Vaughn Capital can keep buying… And every percentage they gain increases their leverage.”

I looked down at my plate. “So this could get worse.”

“It can,” he admitted.

Before I could ask another question, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen. “It's Daniel.”

He answered immediately.

"What happened?"

I couldn't hear Daniel's voice, but I watched Lucien's expression harden with every passing second.

Then he reached for the remote and switched on the television.

A business news channel filled the screen.

“... Vaughn Capital has disclosed another major acquisition of Ashford Group shares, bringing its ownership stake to just over seventeen percent.”

I felt my stomach drop.

“Market analysts now believe Vaughn Capital may seek greater influence over the company's future direction at the next shareholders' meeting…”

Lucien muted the television.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Finally, I broke the silence. “What do we do?”

Before he could answer, his phone buzzed. This time, it was a message.

He read it, then he looked back at me.

“Daniel?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “If we wait for Vaughn Capital to make the next move, we've already lost.”

He walked over to me and kissed my cheeks.

“But we'll figure it out. Right now, I've got to meet Daniel.”