Chapter 91
Anna’s POV:
The next day, I didn’t follow Blake’s advice.
Instead of meeting with his secretary to sign the EcoMarine Group transfer agreement, I chose to head to BlueWave Technologies and call a meeting with the executives as their CEO.
I stepped into the elevator of the BlueWave building, adjusting my dark navy blazer. My black stilettos clicked against the marble floor as I exited, with Daniel–my mother’s secretary–trailing behind me. He carried the briefcase I’d handed him earlier.
“Ms. Anderson, the shareholders have been waiting in the conference room for quite some time, Daniel informed me, his voice low and professional.
“They can wait a little longer,” I replied, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach.
When I pushed open the conference room doors, all eyes turned to me. I kept my expression cool and detached as I took my seat at the head of the table, crossing my legs. The sensation was strange–being the focus of attention, becoming the decision–maker. It wasn’t half bad.
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“Gentlemen, thank you for your patience,” I said, scanning the faces around the table.
One of the male shareholders leaned forward. “If I may, in this company, we address each other by our positions. If friendly chat, Ms. Anderson, you wouldn’t have called us to the conference room.”
“Exactly,” another chimed in.
I didn’t let their condescension get to me. Instead, I nodded to Daniel. “In that case, I’ll get straight to the point. Please distribute the documents I’ve prepared.”
Daniel opened the briefcase, revealing a stack of papers.
“Ms. Anderson,” another shareholder said with a smirk, “most of us are considerably older than you. If we weren’t in a corporate setting, Boston tradition would dictate we bring you welcome gifts. Don’t feel bad that you didn’t prepare anything for us.”
He slapped his knee in mock disappointment while another added, Let’s hope this isn’t just the new boss making a splash with
fresh policies.”
I exchanged a look with Daniel, who smoothly intervened. “Gentlemen, please be patient. Ms. Anderson has indeed prepared something significant. You’ll understand once you review the documents.”
As the papers were distributed, the room filled with murmurs and whispers. It sounded like a swarm of flies buzzing aimlessly. I tapped my index finger on the table, giving them three minutes to read through the contents.
When the noise became too much, I cleared my throat. The room fell silent.
2
“I understand your concerns about my sudden involvement,” I began. If I had spent my entire career building a company, only to have an inexperienced young woman drop in from nowhere, I’d probably be unhappy too.”
I paused, letting my words sink in before continuing.
“That’s why I’m here today–to announce that I’ll be stepping away from BlueWave Technologies and leaving you all in peace.
The shock on their faces was priceless. Inwardly, I nodded with satisfaction.
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Chapter 91
One shareholder quickly recovered, tossing the document onto theble. “Is this some kind of joker he scoffed,
I recognized him immediately Richard Thompson. He’d been my father’s right–hand man, a frequent dinner guest at our family home years ago. After my father died, though, he’d given my mother nothing but grief over company matters,
Now he was targeting me.
“Not at all,” I said coolly. “I’m willing to step aside, but my shares will need to be purchased. I’m not giving them away.”
Richard’s eyebrow raised slightly. “A buyout? I suppose we could consider it. Though since you’ve only recently taken over Lillian’s shares and haven’t made any significant contributions or damages to the company, we should discuss a discounted transfer.
Daniel’s expression hardened. Mr. Thompson, Ms. Anderson may be new, but what do you mean by ‘no significant contributions‘? Since she took over, your quarterly dividends have increased several fold. Selective memory loss, perhaps?”
The shareholders exchanged uneasy glances.
“Very well,” one conceded reluctantly. “Since Ms. Anderson hasn’t negatively impacted company operations and bears no personal fault, we agree to purchase at the original price.”
I uncrossed my legs and stood up, placing both hands on the conference table, leaning forward slightly. The position gave me a psychological advantage—I was literally looking down at them now.
“I have another appointment soon, so let me be clear,” I said. “I may lack experience, but that doesn’t mean I’m ignorant. Even if I were, consider how I obtained this position in the first place before trying to lowball me.”
I smiled slightly, softening my tone but not my stance. “You might want to consider a few factors: current deposit and loan interest rates, our company’s net asset value, and our recent financing valuation.”
Standing up straight, I grabbed my handbag, preparing to leave. “Today’s meeting was just to give you advance notice. My shares will be sold at a premium. I’m giving you one week to come up with a satisfactory offer. Have Daniel schedule our next meeting when you’re ready. Otherwise, I might just decide to actively manage this company after all.”
I walked out with Daniel following close behind. In the hallway, he shook his head admiringly.
“If Lillian were here, she’d be on the edge of her seat.”
“If only my mother had been this straightforward from the beginning.” I replied, thinking she wouldn’t have spent so many years anxiously watching her back with those shareholders.
I had made my choice. This was my path forward–without leaning on Blake’s influence. I’d thought about using his connections to strengthen Blue Wave, but the problems between us would eventually come to light.
I knew I wasn’t cut out for business, and when that day came, I couldn’t trust that Blake wouldn’t use BlueWave against me.
My mother had dedicated the final years of her life to this company. When she had her aecident, I expected her to berate me, to tell me to ask Blake to help with the company. But she didn’t. She told me she loved me.
So I was confident she wouldn’t blame me for this decision. By transferring my shares, I could maintain some influence over BlueWave while securing funds. And when I was truly strong enough I could always consider buying the company back.
The phone kept vibrating in my bag as I made my way to the elevator. It was a call from Blake. I could almost pictu office; brows knitted together, drumming his fingers on the desk, demanding, “Where are you? Why aren’t you here yet?”
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