Chapter 107 You deserve more than this
The room erupted into murmurs and disbelieving glances. Dashiell's expression remained neutral. I could see how nonchalant he was about this. He must have thought over this for a long time before bringing it out like this.
A shareholder, Mr. Johnson, spoke up. "Mr James, we weren't aware of this change. You specifically said you didn't desire an assistant. Why change now? Can you explain?" He asked, his gaze flickering to me for a moment before it returned to Dashiell.
I didn't need to be in their hearts to know what they were thinking at the moment. Being a woman, most of them might think he only gave me this position because I slept with him. As if I wanted the position. Had he spoken about this before calling me, I wouldn't have honoured his invitation. Now, it seemed I only had to watch while they decided, trying not to cause any major issues.
Dashiell's smile was charming. He didn't seem fazed by their side talks, his gaze as pleasurable as ever as he laced his fingers. "Miss Nova brings valuable insights and expertise to the table. I'm confident she'll be an asset to our team. This isn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision."
The room buzzed with dissent, but Dashiell's authority was clear. "I didn't bring this out for us to debate on it. I have already decided. Nova will be the new assistant director. She's good. I believe we will all see just how effective she is in her services. Isn't that right, Miss Nova?"
I forced a smile, playing along. "Thank you, Dashiell. I'm eager to contribute."
Inside, I seethed. What game was he playing? Did he think I'd actually work under him? Assistant director? What an absurd title. I bet he only wanted me in the position, so he would have more power over me. Not because he thought I was the right candidate for it. He just wanted to play the game by exerting his dominance.
Well, I could work this to my advantage, somehow. As the meeting progressed, I listened intently, my mind racing with strategies. This unexpected twist could either hinder or help my revenge plans. If I played the game well, I might get my revenge this way.
My gaze went towards Brion, who was staring at me. He was the only one who didn't comment on Dashiell's words, but I could tell he wanted to say something. It was in his gaze as the way he looked at me.
Sighing, I tore my gaze away from him, opting to pretend like I was listening to them drone on about strategies to keep their businesses afloat, and all those talks about how to be at the frontline. I glanced at Dashiell, his eyes locked onto mine. For a moment, I saw a flicker of something-possessiveness, perhaps? - but it vanished, leaving only his polished facade.
Whatever.
As the meeting drew to a close, Dashiell's expression turned serious as he cleared his throat. To get our attention, not like I didn't have it already. "One more announcement. The company's share distribution will undergo a significant change."
I leaned back in my seat, intrigued. Now, he was talking about something interesting. If I purchase some shares, being the assigned director wouldn't be that much of trouble for me. Oy would aid me significantly.
"Effective immediately, the top shareholders are: myself, with 51% of the shares, and..." Brion paused, his eyes locking onto mine, "my assistant director, Miss Nova, with 20%."
My heart stilled as I gaped at him, telling myself I didn't hear him well, but the reactions from the others proved I did.
The room fell silent. Gasps and whispered conversations erupted around me. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut.
20%? How was this possible? I thought I was just playing a role, not gaining control. Was he willing to give me 20% of it? This didn't sound like something Dashiell would do. I thought he wanted to have complete control over me, and not just to let me have some leverage, in the company.
Brion's eyes widened in shock as he mouthed, "What's going on?" I shook my head, equally bewildered. I didn't even know he would do something like this. Once more, Dashiell left me so speechless that my mouth hung open.
Dashiell continued, unfazed. "The remaining shares will be distributed among our key investors."
Mr James spoke up again, his voice laced with concern. "Mr James, this is unprecedented. I doubt you thought about this. Giving her that amount of shares doesn't sound good."
"I thought about it." Dashiell's smile was enigmatic. "Strategic planning is what we are always talking about, right? Miss Nova's unique skills will benefit the company."
I forced a composed expression, hiding my turmoil. What was Dashiell's game? Was this a trap or an opportunity?
There was no way I could tell what exactly.
As the meeting adjourned, the room buzzed with speculation. I remained seated, numb, trying to figure out what was going on.
Brion approached, his voice low. "Are you okay? This is great news, Nova. Why didn't you tell me about it?"
I shook my head, still processing. "I had no idea."
Seeing me with Brion, Dashiell appeared beside me, his eyes gleaming. "Shall we discuss the details, Assistant Director?" He teased, smiling.
His tone sent shivers down my spine. What did he expect from me?
"I will see you later, Brion. I have something I need to discuss with Mr Dashiell." I got up from my seat, glaring at a smug Dashiell.
"Nova -"
"We will talk later when I visit the kids," I interrupted, trying to get him to leave, so I could speak with Brion.
Though he looked reluctant to leave, he nodded. "See you later."
I waited for the door to close behind him before I turned to Dashiell. "What the hell was that? Why didn't you tell me about your freaking plan!"
"I know you will try to talk me out of it." He sat at the desk, looking up with a small smile. "You deserve this, Nova. More than this. I'm only trying to make up for the years I mistreated you." He took my hand in his and placed a kiss on the back. "Please give me the chance to make it up to you."