Chapter 243 Acquisition of Shares
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the office windows.
Elizabeth was buried in paperwork when she heard Robbie say that Freya was here to see her.
She paused slightly, then nodded, "Please ask Mrs. Nightingale to come up."
A few minutes later, the office door was gently pushed open. Freya walked in with a smile, carrying a thermal food container.
"Why did you come in person?" Elizabeth put down her documents and stood up to greet her.
Freya smiled as she approached Elizabeth and handed her the thermal container, "Elizabeth, I had the chef make some nourishing soup that's good for your health. It's perfect for someone as busy as you to replenish your energy."
Elizabeth took the container, a bit surprised, but still thanked her, "Thank you for making the special trip."
Elizabeth spoke politely, like she was talking to a stranger.
Freya had mentally prepared herself before coming. She looked at Elizabeth gently, "It's no trouble. Remember to drink it while it's hot. I won't disturb your work. If you need anything, remember to call your father."
Elizabeth nodded with a smile.
Freya soon left the office.
Elizabeth looked at the thermal container in her hands, her feelings a bit complicated, but she was busy now and didn't have time to think much about it.
Maybe Freya was trying to repair their mother-daughter relationship.
Elizabeth placed the thermal container on her desk and went back to work.
Just then, Robbie knocked on the office door and strode in.
"Chairwoman Penrose, several shareholders called to question why we haven't done any PR for this shipwreck and smuggling incident. Also, when the stock market closed today, the Sherman Group's stock hit the limit down."
Something she had expected.
Elizabeth looked up at Robbie and said calmly, "Send people to investigate Maddox and those other shareholders. The more detailed, the better."
Robbie nodded but still looked worried, "I'll arrange for someone to investigate immediately, but if we continue not to handle the shipwreck and smuggling matter, I'm afraid the situation will be hard to control later."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, "Who says we're not handling it? We're just not doing external PR. Don't worry, in a few days I probably won't be chairwoman anymore. Perfect timing - I can spend time with Seraphina and Mr. Robinson."
Robbie's scalp instantly tingled. Although Elizabeth's words carried a hint of lightness, this was definitely not a trivial matter.
The future of the Sherman Group affected countless employees' livelihoods and the entire company's fate.
One wrong step, and it's all over.
"By the way, I have something tomorrow, so I won't be coming to the Sherman Group. If any shareholders call, just honestly tell them I took the day off."
Taking time off at a time like this - the shareholders would probably be angry, while those with bad intentions might be very happy.
Happy about her inaction.
After Elizabeth finished giving instructions, Robbie quickly left the office. He needed to find people to investigate Maddox and those other shareholders.
Elizabeth left work at 5:30 sharp.
Outside the Sherman Group, many reporters wanting interviews had already gathered.
Seeing her come out, the reporters rushed forward, competing to ask questions.
"Ms. Penrose is coming out!"
"Ms. Penrose, was the Sherman Group's acquisition of the shipping company really for smuggling?"
"Ms. Penrose, how many crew members died in this shipwreck?"
The bodyguards protecting Elizabeth quickly blocked the reporters, forming a protective barrier, "Excuse me, please let us through."
Elizabeth's face remained calm as she quickly walked toward her car under the bodyguards' protection.
She didn't respond to the reporters' questions, but went straight into her car.
The car door closed immediately, shutting out the noisy voices and urgent questions outside.
Sitting in the car, Elizabeth took a deep breath, letting herself relax for a moment.
The car started, leaving the Sherman Group headquarters building.
Through the car window, Elizabeth saw those reporters still unwilling to leave.
Elizabeth knew this incident had attracted widespread media attention. If not handled properly, the Sherman Group's reputation would be greatly affected.
The car drove steadily on the road.
At this moment, Elizabeth's phone rang again. It was a call from Vincent.
She answered, hearing Vincent directly ask about the shipping company matter.
"Elizabeth, two shareholders called me. You should handle this matter sooner," Vincent's voice was steady.
Elizabeth answered calmly, "Mr. Sherman, I know."
Vincent said, "Right now the shareholders are all talking. You need to come up with a solution quickly, otherwise the company might face an even bigger crisis."
Elizabeth said softly, "Mr. Sherman, don't worry."
Vincent didn't really want to manage the Sherman Group's affairs anymore. Jake was gone, and he and Calliope would just spend the rest of their lives at The Sherman Mansion.
Vincent had said what needed to be said.
The car arrived home.
As soon as Elizabeth got out of the car, she saw Seraphina excitedly coming out to greet her, "Mommy, you're home!"
Elizabeth smiled and picked up Seraphina, gently kissing her forehead, "Did Seraphina have fun at kindergarten today?"
Seraphina nodded, her smile bright, "Today I drew a picture, and the teacher said it was really good!"
Elizabeth gently touched Seraphina's head, "That's wonderful, Seraphina is the best."
Elizabeth looked up at Timothy standing in the doorway.
Their eyes met.
Timothy walked over to take Seraphina, put his arm around Elizabeth's shoulder, "Shall we talk tonight?"
Elizabeth nodded. Elizabeth also wanted to talk to Timothy about what she was going to do next.
That evening, after Seraphina fell asleep, the couple went to the study to talk.
"Although I'm now the chairwoman of the Sherman Group, I only hold twenty percent of the shares, which makes it easy for my actions to be restricted," Elizabeth said lightly, her tone carrying a hint of calm determination, "I want to control all the shares held by the Sherman family."
The study's lighting was soft, but it couldn't hide the firmness in Elizabeth's eyes.
Timothy raised his eyebrows in some surprise, then smiled, "I understand."
He slowly walked to the desk, placed his hands on the surface, and looked at her with deep eyes, "How do you plan to acquire these shares? Direct acquisition or through other means?"
Elizabeth smiled, her eyes carrying a meaningful look, "I'll first talk to each shareholder to see their intentions. If there's an opportunity, I'll try to acquire their shares through legal means. Of course, I won't rule out using some... strategies."
She said the word "strategies" very lightly.
Timothy raised his hand and touched Elizabeth's head, sighing, "Elizabeth, you've grown up. Really something."
Elizabeth immediately straightened up proudly and looked at Timothy, "See, all grown up."
The originally serious topic suddenly went off track.
Timothy raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on her raised chest, pausing for a moment.
He pressed his elegant thin lips with his slender index finger.
He mouthed: Tonight, I'll taste your breasts.
The two just flirted with each other for a moment, then continued discussing the shipping company matter.
Elizabeth needed to hear Timothy's approach to handling it.
At nine o'clock that evening, Elizabeth received a caring message from Freya.
[Elizabeth, if you need the Stewart family's help with anything, you can tell me]