"Lily Miller, Evelyn Miller! Who gave you permission to transfer the shares? This company is the result of Jason Miller’s lifetime of dedication, and you’re just tossing it around , leaving nothing left. You’re too much! Dreaming of becoming the company president? Keep dreaming!"
Shirley Turner barged in, yelling like a madwoman.
My aunt paused for a moment, then stepped forward to explain to Shirley, "Sister-in-law, my brother is already in prison, how can he still manage the company? I’ve been with the company for over ten years, and no one is more suitable for this position than me."
"Nonsense! Evelyn Miller, don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to! You’re just taking advantage of the situation, embezzling your brother’s assets!"
"Sister-in-law, your words are harsh. I bought these shares with real money, how is that taking advantage?"
"Your brother owes nearly a hundred million in tax fines for this company, and now he’s drowning in debt, while you guys are taking all the advantage. Isn’t that taking advantage of the situation? Give me back the shares!"
Seeing that explanations weren’t getting through, my aunt’s smile faded, and she arrogantly said, "Who told him to dodge taxes? Who told him to break the law? He emptied the company, almost causing us shareholders to lose money. If it wasn’t for Lily’s capabilities, forcing him to pay the taxes, the company would have been shut down! Then we shareholders would be the ones in debt."
"I don’t care, you must return the shares to me!"
"You won’t return them! Don’t blame me for being unkind then!"
Shirley Turner grew angrier as she spoke, suddenly lunging forward to fight.
My aunt was caught off guard, having her hair grabbed, but luckily my uncle and cousins were present, and they all rushed in. Shirley Turner, outnumbered, was no match.
I stood to the side, quietly watching the drama unfold, clicking my tongue in wonder.
The old saying is so true, people die for wealth, birds die for food.
No matter the shared blood, no matter the familial bond, in the face of enormous profit, it all shatters easily.
In some people’s eyes, money is the closest thing in the world, and everything else is just a cloud.
Before I could finish enjoying the show, my phone rang. It was Cherry calling.
I figured there was something urgent at the company, so I had to speak up, "Aunt, Auntie, communicate well without fighting. I have something to attend to, so I’ll be off for now."
As I turned to leave, Shirley suddenly realized, shouting out, "Lily, you stop right there! Give back the money! You guys are too heartless! A real daughter, a real sister, all are wolves in sheep’s clothing..."
"Auntie, this is what they call the wheel of fortune. You’ve enjoyed for over twenty years at my mother’s expense. Be content!"
I chuckled nonchalantly, leaving those words behind as I turned and left stylishly.
Call me a wolf in sheep’s clothing, maybe.
But I believe more in this saying: A woman who’s not fierce enough won’t secure her position.
Anyway, my conscience is clear.
Back at the company, after finishing my work, thinking about the sixty million in my bank account, I couldn’t relax.
I might as well return this money to Daniel Carter first.
Even though he’s as rich as a nation and wouldn’t care about a mere three hundred million. Follow current novᴇls on novel•fire.net
But I can’t be shameless; of course, I should return whatever I can, so I don’t squander it recklessly.
I don’t know if I’m really thinking about repaying the money, or if I just want an excuse to contact him again. Either way, the more I think about it, the more determined I become.
During the lunch break, I called Daniel Carter.
From the first "beep" by my ear, my heart started to race.
The phone rang for quite a while, and just when I was about to hang up thinking he was busy, there was a sudden sound from the other side.
"Yes." My slight disappointment turned into anticipation, and I hurriedly asked, "Did I disturb you at work?"
"No." He chuckled lightly, a bit embarrassed, "Uh...I was just in the restroom, heard the phone ring, and came out immediately."
"Ah?" I was startled, blushing with embarrassment even through the phone waves!
Did I make him leave the restroom midway to answer a call?
Oh my, I covered my face, trying to stop my imagination.
"Is something the matter?" Daniel Carter seemed to feel the awkwardness too, steering back to the main topic.
"Oh, yes, there’s something." I recollected myself, hastily putting down my hand, regaining composure, "I wanted to ask for your bank account details so I can repay you some money, seventy million."
He was surprised, "Where did you get so much money?"
"I transferred all the shares of my father’s company, selling them for a total of sixty million, plus some savings, I gathered seventy million."
"You’re quick to act."
I smiled, "That company was also a hot potato. Holding onto the shares brought me trouble, better to sell them and take the money."
"Yes, it’s wise. But I don’t need the money, you don’t have to rush to repay me."
"I don’t need that much money either. My company is doing pretty well now, and of course—this is mostly thanks to your family’s help. I guess by the end of the year with the dividends, I can repay you more."
He chuckled lightly, with a tone of helplessness, "You sound eager to draw a line with me."
"No, no, it’s just I feel uneasy owing such a large sum."
"What an honest and straightforward girl."
He inexplicably complimented me, and I roughly understood his meaning.
Nowadays, those who owe money are the bosses, those who actively repay it, that’s rare.
"Then give me a bank account, I’ll transfer the money today."
Daniel Carter sighed, "Alright, since you’re insisting, I’ll send it to you later."
We finished discussing business, technically should have hung up, but neither of us did.
The situation awkwardly fell into silence.
"Uh, that’s it then—"
"Right, didn’t you say before..."
After a pause, as I was about to suggest hanging up, Daniel Carter’s voice came through.
We both spoke simultaneously, and then both stopped.
We both laughed, and I quickly asked, "What did you want to say?"
"I wanted to ask if you still have time lately. Didn’t you say you finished designing my clothes? If it’s ready, I’d like to see if it can be ready for the anniversary."
He actually considered wearing my clothes for the anniversary!
It must be ready in time. Even if I don’t eat or drink, work overtime, I have to finish it for him.
"I have time. Actually, I’ve been meaning to contact you these days. The pattern’s been out for days; I just haven’t had the chance to let you try it." I said excitedly.
He asked worriedly, "Don’t you have many orders recently?"
"But I don’t personally handle all of them. After finishing Melissa’s Pleated apron Skirt, I’ll do yours."
"But you also have to manage the company..."
"Not anymore, I recently hired a professional manager, quite competent. I mainly focus on my studio now and occasionally deal with company matters."
For instance, during seasonal brand trend shifts, I oversee the general direction to protect my reputation.
Daniel Carter chuckled, "Then I’m relieved."
"Great," I felt my heart leap, asking, "Are you free these days? I’ll come to you."
"No need, I’ll come to your studio directly at noon tomorrow, so you won’t have to run around with the clothes." He offered.