Chapter 195 Share Transfer Agreement
The family dinner ended on a sour note.
Simon walked Emily to the door, speaking softly, "Emily, I'm sorry you had to endure that tonight. Don't worry about Lauren, I'll handle things on that front. Mirage Fashion belongs to you, and no one can take that away."
Simon knew that Emily was only calling Lauren "Grandma" out of respect for him. Actually, she didn't want to acknowledge that relationship at all.
So he changed how he referred to Lauren.
Emily caught Simon's thoughtfulness. Looking at his haggard face, she couldn't help but soften, finally saying, "Dad, don't let Grandma get to you too much. Take care of yourself."
"You..." Simon froze, his eyes suddenly welling up with emotion.
Ever since Scarlett's death, his relationship with Emily had grown distant. Later, with all of Celeste's and the Johnson family's schemes, there had been precious little warmth between them.
He never imagined Emily would show concern for his wellbeing.
For a moment, Simon felt completely at a loss, only managing to stammer, "Okay... okay, I understand. You drive safely."
Watching Emily get into her car, he remained standing there until the vehicle disappeared into the night, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
Perhaps, he still had a chance to make up for all the ways he'd failed Emily.
That evening, Simon returned to his study and immediately called his attorney. "I need you to come to my house right now. There's something urgent that needs to be handled—the sooner, the better."
After hanging up, he pulled an old box from his drawer containing Scarlett's photographs and early Mirage Fashion documents. His fingertips gently traced the photos as he made a silent vow to transfer Scarlett's legacy to Emily in its entirety.
The lawyer arrived within thirty minutes. Simon led him into the study, closed the door, and they spoke for a long time. No one knew exactly what they discussed, but when the lawyer left, he carried a sealed document in his hands.
Celeste had been hiding around the corner of the staircase, watching everything unfold. Her heart sank with dread. She knew Simon's personality too well. He wouldn't call a lawyer this late unless it involved something major regarding Mirage Fashion shares.
A terrifying thought formed in her mind: Simon must be signing a share transfer agreement to give Mirage Fashion to Emily completely!
The thought of spending all these years scheming to stay at the Johnson Villa only to end up with nothing made Celeste restless.
Ever since Simon discovered her drugging incident, though he'd allowed her to remain at the Johnson Villa, he never let her into his bedroom again and maintained his guard even during daily interactions.
Now that she had her own room, it actually gave her more freedom to plot in secret.
Late that night, Celeste quietly took out her phone and called Declan. "Declan, where are you? I have something important I need to discuss with you."
Declan was lying in his hotel room, drinking alone and cursing Emily's ingratitude, when Celeste's call immediately perked him up.
During the family dinner earlier, he'd been attracted to Celeste's alluring figure, but with Erica and Simon present, he hadn't dared show it. Now that Celeste was reaching out to him directly, his interest was piqued. "I'm at the Golden Ember Hotel, room 1302. Come over so we can talk privately—it's more convenient here."
After hanging up, Celeste quickly opened her wardrobe and selected a red dress with a slightly low neckline. She touched up her makeup in the mirror, deliberately creating a vulnerable yet seductive appearance before taking a cab to the hotel.
The moment she pushed open the door to room 1302, Declan's gaze latched onto her like a hook, sweeping from her hair to her hemline with undisguised hunger in his eyes.
Celeste felt nauseated but forced a smile, walking to the sofa and sitting down. She deliberately smoothed her skirt behind her legs, revealing a glimpse of fair skin. "Declan, I came here tonight because I have bad news—I just saw Simon meeting with a lawyer. I'm sure he was signing a share transfer agreement to give all of Mirage Fashion to Emily!"
"What?" Declan shot up, spilling wine all over the floor. "He actually dares to do that? Mirage Fashion is a Johnson family asset. Why should that bitch get everything!"
Celeste quickly agreed, "Exactly! But Simon is completely focused on protecting Emily now. There's no way we can stop him. I was so desperate that I didn't know what else to do except come to you for advice."
Declan sat back down, eyeing Celeste suspiciously, "Why are you so eager to help Marshall get those shares? What's in it for you? Why aren't you fighting for your own daughter instead?"
He wasn't stupid. Celeste wasn't the selfless type, and she had her own daughter to think about. Why would she help an outsider unless there was something in it for her?
Celeste's heart tightened, but tears immediately welled up in her eyes, saying as she was sobbing, "Declan, I'm just a woman. What voice do I have in the Johnson family? After my fake pregnancy was exposed, Simon doesn't trust me at all. I can't even enter his room anymore. All I have is Clara, whose reputation is already ruined. If I don't have someone to rely on, how will I survive when I'm old?"
As she spoke, tears rolled down her cheeks. She gently touched Declan's arm, "I wouldn't dare dream of getting shares myself. I just hope that if Marshall remembers my help in the future, he'll let me keep a place to live at Johnson Villa. Besides..."
She looked up at Declan with a hint of intimacy in her eyes, "I think you're a reliable man, more capable than Simon. I feel safe discussing things with you."
Declan was delighted by her words, especially when Celeste's soft fingertips touched his arm, sending electricity through his body. He reached out to wipe away her tears, his voice turning gentle, "Celeste, don't worry. With me here, I won't let anyone mistreat you."
Celeste leaned against Declan's shoulder, her voice soft and sweet, "Declan, I knew you were the best. But Simon seems so determined now. What should we do?"
She deliberately pressed her body closer, her neckline slipping to reveal her ample breasts.
Declan's gaze fell on the curve of her breasts. He swallowed hard and wrapped his arm around her waist, "Didn't you say you had an idea? Tell me about it. As long as we can get those shares, I'll do whatever you suggest."
Celeste sneered inwardly but maintained a shy expression, "We could work through Lauren. She dotes on Marshall the most. If Lauren steps in and pressures Simon, preventing him from processing the share transfer, we might still have a chance."
After finishing, she looked up at Declan with seductive eyes, "Once this succeeds, I'll make sure to properly thank you."
Declan's doubts completely evaporated, replaced by a burning desire. He pinched Celeste's chin with a smile, "Perfect! We'll do exactly as you say! I definitely won't let you down!"