Chapter Twenty Five: Turned Tables 2

Chapter Twenty Five: Turned Tables 2

Daphne's POV

“Other than your position as the CEO- which has been rescinded- you have absolutely no ties to this company.

“What?!” I exclaim, my eyes wide in shock.

“What do you mean I have no shares?” I screech. I own bloody sixty five percent of this bloody company. I own the damn thing!”

“Will you stop your hysterics? It is just as I said. You have no shares in this company.”

“That's impossible.” I sink back into the chair, burying my face in my hands to hide my smile before schooling my features to look distressed.

“This is impossible. It's simply impossible. I own the company.” I wrench my face up looking at all of them in confusion.

“No you don't. At least not anymore.” The file Mathew drops on the table thumps. I flinch at the sudden sound.

“I….I don't understand.” I stutter.

“It's all in there. Read it.” He sneers.

I open the thick leather bound binder and go through it. The words on the page swim in front of my eyes from the film of tears that cover it.

I know this is true but to see the cold concrete evidence of this, this …..travesty in ink chips away another piece of me.

I look up at Matthew, my voice thick with emotion. “I don't understand.” I whisper almost brokenly, searching his gaze for anything, anything that could tell me that this isn't true, that I haven't been living such a lie all this time.

But I see nothing of such. All I see in his eyes is a deep pleasure from my suffering. The bastard is enjoying this.

“It's exactly what is written there. You relinquished all your rights to your shares and handed them over.

“No…No I didn't. I couldn't. I never did such a thing.” I whimper.

“Honestly, I knew you were a spoiled brat but I didn't know the daughter of the famous tycoon could be this stupid. You signed it all over. It's right there. It's your signature isn't it?”

I flip over the pages to where I see my signature, glaring at me boldly.

“T-this. This is impossible. I would never do such a thing.” My heart pounds in my chest in disbelief but I remember.

I remember that night I fought with Greg or rather the night he threw a tantrum because I wanted to read a document he wanted signed.

I remember that he pressured me by saying things like I didn't trust him and how I was so much like my grandfather.

I remember feeling hurt by his words and just signing it to avoid a fight. Greg was sweet to me for five days straight.

“Well, it looks like you did.” He snapped.

“You signed them all over to your husband. He decided to release all the shares to the market to welcome external investors. A wise business decision if you ask me.” He sniffed.

“W-why, why would Greg do such a thing without telling me?”

“That's your business. I have no concerns about the state of your affairs at home.” He glares down at me from his nose.

“The fact that your signature is here is proof enough of your approval. Honestly,” He clicks his tongue.

“How vapid are you to forget such an important detail. It's not my fault you claim not to know anything about it.”

“Anyway, this was a very important business decision. Since you have no affiliation with the company anymore, you can see that we have every right to kick you off the board.” He continues, clearly on a roll since he believes he is the one in power in this situation.

“We only agreed to keep your husband as the CEO because of how astute a businessman he is. Therefore, if he is no longer in the position, then we have no business whatsoever with you. I would recommend you leave the premises before lunch break.

“Since you just resumed yesterday, that should provide you with ample time to take your personal effects. I'm sure there are not many.
“…..It's mine. It's everything my grandfather gave me. I-it’s all gone.” My voice breaks as a tremble takes over my entire body. Suddenly, the room is too hot and too cold at the same time.

“Why are you bringing Mr Sinclair into this? Didn't he hand over this company to you? Well, it's only fitting isn't it? The prodigal daughter who is exiled lost all her fortune.” He sneers.

Cruel chuckles and snide remarks filter through my ears. They're not even hiding it. So this is why they were so bold. Because they knew I didn't have my grandfather’s support. Silent tears stream down my face as I come to a full realization of what I have done to myself.

I look around the table to see if there is even a hint of pity, remorse, regret, for me but there is nothing. All I see are Stony expressions and a few pleased ones. At my predicament.

They all look fucking pleased at the fact that they just took everything away from me.

“However, given the circumstances, we are willing to make allowances for you, Mrs Smith.” Matthews places a hand on his chin in mock consideration.

“What is it?” I question urgently, almost leaping out of my seat.

“We're not heartless you know, we understand the fact that you've been kicked out and so we can't hang you out to dry.” He shrugs.

“After all, you were once the precious owner of this company and since you brought such a high profile client, we'll make allowances for you.”

“We'll offer the position of the CEO back to you but only on the condition that your husband comes back to take his rightful position.” Oh rightful position? They are seriously calling that thief the rightful CEO of the company? This is laughable.

It is certain right now. They are really all in league together.

“B-but?”

“But what?” He cuts me off. You really have no options here. That is the only way we will agree to have anything to do with you.”

Slow clapping cuts through the tense atmosphere. Everyone turns to see the source. I had almost forgotten he was here. He has been standing behind me all this time.

Reeves is standing behind me with that pleased expression on his face.

“It's been a long time since I saw such an entertaining performance like that.” He grins.

“Mr Reeves, I apologize that you had to see such an unsightly scene. But as you can see, Mrs Smith is clearly not in a position to have anything to do with you. We would gladly…”

“I wasn't talking to you. He cuts him off, malice dripping from his words. The pleased facade he was wearing has slipped off.

He swivels my chair, pulling it directly in front of him and bends his six foot frame to my eye level, trapping me by placing both hands on the arms of the chair, his mouth inches away
from mine.

He grins rakishly, “Now, my sweet, don't you think it's time to end this facade?”