After listening to Garrett's words, Lance curled his lips into a mocking smile.
He could clearly see that Garrett was trying to use shares and status as an excuse to get something from him.
Thinking of this, he narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "I told you that you are not qualified to discuss the betrothal gift, and you are indeed not qualified. Today, I came to talk about the shares. If you keep dodging the issue, you can keep the shares yourself. Anyway, it won't be long before Jones Group goes bankrupt. By then, I can just acquire it."
With that, Lance stood up, ready to leave.
Seeing this, Garrett's expression changed immediately.
He didn't expect Lance to be so well-informed about the situation of Jones Group. He quickly called out, "Mr. Mercer, please wait."
As he spoke, he jogged over to Lance and blocked his way, smiling apologetically, "I was mistaken earlier. Let's talk about the shares now, shall we?"
Looking at the man's ingratiating expression, Lance felt a strong sense of disdain.
However, thinking about how those shares were something Deanna had always wanted, he decided to stay patient.
"Since we're talking about shares..."
"Mr. Mercer, you know that Jones Group is currently facing some problems. If I transfer the shares now, it will dilute the company's interests. Even if Deanna gets the shares, they will be worthless."
Garrett interrupted Lance, starting to complain and play the victim.
Lance wasn't annoyed; he just watched Garrett's performance quietly.
Several minutes passed, and Garrett's mouth was dry from talking so much. Seeing no response from Lance, he couldn't help but look up and ask, "Mr. Mercer, after all I've said, what do you think?"
Hearing this, Lance gave him a cold glance and said, "I understand your point. Since you can't provide the shares, I won't make things difficult for you. I can even forgo the shares."
"Forgo?" Garrett was shocked.
Lance continued with a cold smile, "Yes, I can forgo the shares, but you have to provide something of equivalent value."
Hearing this, Garrett was speechless for a long time.
He had been pleased when Lance said he didn't want the shares. But hearing the latter part of the statement made him unhappy.
Even though the company was in trouble, those shares were still worth millions of dollars.
Giving Deanna assets worth millions made Garrett feel like crying. Yet he couldn't show it in front of Lance.
So he pretended to be in a difficult position and said, "Mr. Mercer, you know our company's current difficulties. I really can't come up with something of equivalent value."
Seeing the man clearly playing tricks, a cold light flashed in Lance's eyes.
"I know you can't come up with it, and I didn't expect you to. However..."
He suddenly changed his tone and said coldly, "You can give Deanna a company."
"A company? What company?"
Garrett became instantly alert.
Lance pretended not to notice and said directly, "I think Vortex Technology would be good. Let's go with that company."
Vortex Technology was a company Olivia had founded. When Olivia was still around, the company was doing very well. But in recent years under Garrett's management, it had been declining year by year.
However, this didn't stop Lance from seeing its potential.
In his view, Vortex Technology was a highly valuable company with promising future prospects.
Upon hearing Lance mention the company's name, Garrett felt a wave of relief.
Vortex Technology had been losing money under his management for years. He had always wanted to get rid of it but couldn't find a suitable buyer.
Now that Lance wanted it, Garrett was genuinely happy because it would reduce his company's financial losses. But he couldn't agree too readily; after all, he couldn't give away the company for free.
"Mr. Mercer, this company..."
"I know this company is worth more than those shares, so I won't let you suffer a loss."
Lance interrupted Garrett before he could finish his sentence.
Hearing this, Garrett's right eyelid twitched. He suppressed his excitement and asked calmly, "What do you mean by that?"
"I have a project in hand that I can give to Jones Group. If you execute it perfectly, its value will be in the billions. Compared to this company, you'll only profit," Lance replied with deep eyes.
Garrett was immediately tempted by the potential billion-dollar project.
At this moment, Lance spoke again, hitting Garrett's weak spot directly, "Moreover, with this project, you can solve your company's financial problems."
"Mr. Mercer, are you serious?" Garrett could no longer hide his excitement and looked over eagerly.
Lance raised an eyebrow and said, "What? You don't believe me?"
"No, I'm just too excited. I didn't expect Mr. Mercer to offer such good terms."
Garrett quickly shook his head in denial and flattered Lance, not wanting to anger him.