Chapter 46
Grace's POV
Monday morning, 9:00 AM. Harrison Group Executive Office. Today is negotiation day.
I adjusted my navy blue blazer one last time before stepping into the elevator.
The elevator dinged softly as I reached the top floor. Richard's assistant barely glanced up as I walked past her desk, my heels clicking against the marble with purpose. I didn't need her permission anymore.
When I entered the conference room, Holden was already seated at the head of the table, his hair perfectly styled, wearing his usual charcoal suit. Richard sat to his right, fidgeting with his phone. They'd been waiting for me.
"Grace." Holden's voice carried that familiar tone. "Please, have a seat."
I walked directly to the chair opposite him, ignoring Richard's outstretched hand as he tried to guide me to the seat beside him. Not happening.
"Mr. Harrison," I said, settling into my chair with deliberate calm. "Thank you for making time."
"Grace, privately I still hope you'll call me father," Holden said impassively.
"I've been thinking about something you once told me," I continued, meeting Holden's gaze directly. "You said that in this company, there's no room for personal feelings."
The memory hit like a slap.
"Miss Wilson, if you think you can waltz into my company based on your relationship with my son, you're mistaken. This is business, not charity. You either prove your worth or you're out."
I'd stood there, humiliated, while Holden dressed me down in front of the entire board. Richard had said nothing. Not one fucking word.
"I don't care what arrangement you have with Richard. In here, you earn your place or you leave."
Holden's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
I've been carrying this company's burden for two years. I've salvaged failing projects and secured major contracts. Yet somehow, I've never received a single share of equity.
"Grace, I recognize your abilities, but I don't want your conflicts with Richard to affect work or the company. This is, after all, our family's life's work."
Our family. It seems there's no place for me here.
I opened my handbag and placed a thick document on the table. "Transfer fifty percent of Harrison Group shares to me, and I'll personally oversee the restructuring of every stalled project we have."
"Grace, please reconsider—" Richard tried to negotiate.
"Completely reasonable," I cut him off. "Considering what I've contributed versus what I've received."
Holden pulled out a prepared agreement from his briefcase. "I can offer you forty percent. Richard currently holds twenty-five percent, plus Margaret and Jason's combined fifteen percent. That's the maximum we can transfer without board approval."
Forty percent. I studied the document. It's not enough, but it's a start.
"The remaining shares are with Richard's grandmother. As you know, those were left to her by Richard's grandfather. I have no authority to transfer them," Holden continued.
Thinking of Richard's grandmother Aria, a pang of guilt stirred in my heart. She was the only one in the entire family who was truly kind to me, like real family. But I could no longer stay with Richard.
Holden mentioning Aria was nothing more than playing the emotional card, but I wouldn't be that naive anymore.
I steeled my resolve and reached into my bag again, this time producing a much thicker proposal. "Because I have something that might change your perspective."
Both men leaned forward as I placed the document on the table. Richard's eyes lit up when he saw the corporate logos on the cover.
"A ten billion dollar new project contract," I confirmed. "Enough to cover all our current losses and significantly accelerate the IPO timeline."
Holden reached for the document, but I smoothly pulled it back. "Unfortunately, without the proper equity structure, I don't see how we can move forward."
Let them sweat.
I stood up and gathered my things. "I'll submit my resignation effective immediately."
I placed my employee ID and company credit cards on the table.
Richard shot to his feet. "Wait! You can't just—"
"Can't what?" I turned back to face him. "Leave? Watch me."
"We're family," Richard said desperately, grabbing my arm. "You can't treat us like this."
I looked down at his hand gripping my arm, then back at his face. "Your father has made it clear that family means nothing in business. I'm simply following his example."
"The forty percent," I continued, shaking off his grip. "It's not enough. You promised me fifty, and that's what I expect. How do I know you won't find another excuse to back out later?"
Holden slammed his palm against the table, the sound echoing through the office. "Fine! I'll find a way to get you the additional ten percent. But it will take time to arrange."
I returned to my seat, pulling the agreement toward me. "I need that in writing. And I want the forty percent transfer processed immediately, with full documentation and notarization."
Twenty minutes later, I signed the agreement. The ink was barely dry when I stood up again.
"Now, about that project proposal," Holden said, eyeing the thick document.
"Oh, that." I tucked it back into my bag. "Once you follow through on your commitment and I have my full fifty percent, I'll be happy to share the details."
Holden's face flushed red. "Are you threatening me?"
"I'm protecting my interests," I replied calmly. "Surely you can understand that."
Richard moved closer, lowering his voice. "Grace, my father has already made a significant concession. Don't push this too far."
I studied his face, seeing the desperation he was trying to hide.
"I need absolute decision-making authority," I said, addressing both of them. "This company has too many projects stuck in hell. If we want to execute properly, someone needs to have final say."
"And that someone is you?" Holden's voice dripped skepticism.
"Look at our current situation," I replied. "Multiple stalled projects, investor confidence shaking, IPO timeline in jeopardy. The current structure clearly isn't working."
"So here's my final offer: Give me the fifty percent equity I've earned, along with the operational authority to make real changes. Or help me process my resignation paperwork right now."
The room fell silent. Holden's jaw worked as he stared at me, clearly weighing his options.
Finally, he spoke. "Alright. I'll arrange the additional transfer."
I smiled for the first time since entering the room. "Excellent. I expect the paperwork completed within forty-eight hours."
I gathered my things and headed for the door. "Gentlemen, I look forward to our next meeting."