Chapter 32: Ten Fucking Dollars!
"What's going on? Why are the CEO Alex and the shareholders arguing?" One of the employees asked as they looked at the meeting room.
"Yeah, aren't they supposed to be on the same side?" Another one asked in confusion.
"I heard that the CEO is planning to buy out their shares. He wants to own the company outright." One of them spoked likely treating it as a rumour and thought of telling them.
"Seriously? That's ruthless! He's taking everything for himself?" Another employee jabbed at the previous statement.
Whispers and speculation spread among the crowd as more employees gathered to watch the drama unfold.
One of the shareholders, Eric, stepped forward. As the second-largest shareholder in the company, he felt obligated to defend himself and the other shareholders.
"Alex, don't you think you're going too far?" Eric said, his tone stern but cautious.
"We've been with this company since the beginning. This move of yours will leave everyone feeling betrayed!"
Alex turned to him, his expression shifting to one of mild amusement.
"Eric, I almost forgot about you. Your contract has a special clause in it. Why don't you come over and take a look?" He handed a specific document to Eric, his smile deepening as he did so.
Hearing this, Eric felt a flicker of hope.
'Could it be that he isn't planning to kick me out? Maybe this is only targeting the smaller shareholders?' The thought filled him with relief. He glanced at the other shareholders, who were starting to look worried.
However, Eric's relief was short-lived.
As his eyes scanned the document, his expression froze, then twisted into pure rage.
"What the hell is this, Alex?" he shouted, his voice trembling with anger.
"Ten dollars?! You're offering ten dollars for my shares?ARE YOU FUCKING PLAYING WITH ME?"
Eric's fury was palpable. If there hadn't been people around, he might have lunged at Alex right then and there.
His shares represented 15% of the company. Based on the current market valuation, they were worth in billions.
And yet, Alex had the audacity to offer him ten dollars.
Not in billions or millions but in mere Ten Dollars… you can imagine the anger Eric is feeling right now.
"Are you insane? Why don't you just rob me outright?! Ten dollars? This isn't a buyout—it's outright robbery!" Eric stated with anger and fury in his eyes kike he could kill Alex right now if he can.
"He's blatantly toying with us!" The shareholders erupted into fury, their voices rising in outrage.
Some clenched their fists tightly, while others exchanged sharp glances, as though seeking unity in their anger. Their faces flushed red with frustration, and a wave of irritation and anger spread through the group.
"Eric, why are you so worked up?" Alex's voice was calm, almost unnervingly so.
He leaned back slightly, exhaling a faint puff of smoke, his posture utterly relaxed as if he were merely observing a minor inconvenience.
"At least finish reading the entire document. Who knows? There might be a surprise waiting for you on the next page."
Eric froze mid-retort, his anger momentarily caught in his throat. His instinct was to argue back, but something about Alex's gaze made him hesitate.
It wasn't just confidence—it was something colder, sharper, as if Alex were already in complete control of the situation.
His fingers tightened around the paper as he hesitated, his mind racing. After a tense pause, he reluctantly flipped to the second page.
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The moment Eric's eyes landed on the contents of the next page, his breath hitched. His face paled several shades, and the hand holding the document trembled as if it suddenly weighed a ton.
"A… Al… Alex… what… is the meaning of this?" Eric stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.
"I've worked hard for this company for so many years. Even if I haven't done anything extraordinary, I've at least put in my fair share of effort…" His voice grew louder as he spoke, desperation leaking into every word.
"So what if I used the company's name to make some extra money on the side? Do you really need to go this far against me?" His outburst echoed through the room, his frustration spilling over as he looked at Alex with a mix of fear and indignation.
"You're asking me if this is necessary?" Alex murmured, his tone casual yet deliberate.
He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a calm, almost practiced ease. Taking a long drag, he exhaled slowly, the faint trail of smoke curling lazily in the air. His calm demeanor was in stark contrast to Eric's rising panic.
"Of course, it's necessary," Alex continued, his voice steady and cold. "Sure, the money you've made isn't a small amount compared to your shares…" He glanced at the trembling Eric, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"But if I report you for embezzling billions from the company…" Alex leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as though sharing a secret. "That's enough to land you in rotten prison for the rest of your life, isn't it?"
Eric staggered back a step, his legs nearly giving out beneath him. The blood drained from his face, and his breathing became shallow as the weight of Alex's words settled on him.
"And that's not all," Alex added, his tone growing darker. "If you push me to that point… when you're locked up, what happens to your wife and kids without your protection?"
The words were like daggers, cutting deep into Eric's chest. His hands shook violently, and sweat began to bead on his forehead.
"Do you think their lives will be any easier?" Alex's voice softened, but the underlying threat was unmistakable.
Eric's heart pounded in his chest as a cold chill ran down his spine. His imagination ran wild, conjuring images of his family's suffering, and he instinctively raised his hands as if to shield himself from the words.
Cold sweat dripped down Eric's face as his lips quivered.
"This… this…" His voice cracked, unable to form a coherent response.
He had always prided himself on his ability to profit behind the scenes from other prying eyes… secretly and stealthily, but now those very actions had become a noose tightening around his neck.
Chapter 33: Revoked!
"I…will… sign." Eruc said in a whisper, but not loud enough for Alex to hear.
Alex of course heard it clearly but it made it more interesting he said, "what are you saying… Please speak a little bit louder."
"I…I'll sign!" Eric suddenly blurted out, his voice filled with panic.
"As long as you let this matter go, I'll sign!" His words came in a rushed stream, his pride completely shattered. He looked at Alex with pleading eyes, desperation written all over his face.
Alex tilted his head slightly, observing Eric's breakdown with an expression of mild amusement. With a small nod, he finally spoke.
"Good. As long as you sign, I'll make sure this document stays buried." He flicked the ash from his cigarette, his tone softening ever so slightly.
"And don't worry—I won't ask or try to get back the money you've already made." He gestured lazily with the cigarette in hand. "You'll still have enough to live a comfortable life with your wife and kids."
Eric's shoulders slumped, and a bitter smile crossed his face as he exhaled deeply.
"Thank… you… thank you… Alex," he muttered, his voice barely audible.
He understood that Alex had already won, and resistance was futile. Alex had given him an exit—a chance to walk away with some dignity and a fraction of his wealth intact. It was far better than the alternative of getting a case on his life and then rotting in some prison for the rest of his life.
And that too while leaving his family alone, with the money Alex spared him with he could atleast live well for his life with his family.
Without wasting another moment, Eric picked up the pen with trembling hands and signed his name on the document.
The room fell silent, save for the faint scratch of the pen against paper As Eric signed on them.
….
In front of everyone, the company's second-largest shareholder signed his name on the document. The rest of the shareholders were left utterly dumbfounded.
Their expressions ranged from shock to disbelief, and hushed murmurs began spreading through the room.
"What is Eric doing? Didn't we agree to stick together?" one of them whispered, his face contorted in confusion.
"Exactly! How could he backtrack this quickly?" another chimed in, clenching his fists in frustration.
"Did he seriously sell his shares for ten dollars? What in the hell is that even supposed to mean?"
Their voices were tinged with disbelief, their unity starting to waver as doubt crept in.
Meanwhile, Eric handed the signed document back to Alex, his face wearing a forced, awkward smile.
"Alex, now that this is settled, may I take my leave?" Eric asked cautiously, bowing slightly.
Alex gave him a casual wave, his expression mocking yet composed. "Of course, Eric. Best of luck in your future endeavors. I hope fortune smiles on you wherever you go!"
Eric gave a stiff nod, forcing a smile on his face as he practically scurried out of the room, his back hunched like a man fleeing from a nightmare.
The remaining shareholders were left speechless as they watched him leave and that too in such a panic.
"Did he seriously give up all his shares and leave with a blessing?!" one of them finally burst out.
"Fortune smiles on him? More like he'll get hit by a truck the moment he steps outside!"
Just as the muttering grew louder, Alex's cold gaze swept across the room, silencing everyone instantly.
The atmosphere grew tense as the remaining shareholders froze under his piercing stare. A chill ran down their spines as they realized they were now his focus.
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His icy demeanor seemed to pierce straight through them, and they could feel their confidence draining away.
"Everyone… stay strong!" one of them whispered, trying to rally the group.
"Eric may have betrayed us, but we can't back down!"
"That's right! We may have fewer shares, but we must stick together!" another added, his voice trembling but determined.
They exchanged nervous glances, nodding in agreement, trying to bolster their collective courage.
Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head. The sound was low but carried a sense of disdain.
"Ha! Where do you even get this ridiculous confidence to stand against me?" Alex leaned forward slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over them like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Let me make this clear. After Eric's departure, your combined shares don't even add up to seven percent."
His words cut through the room like a blade. The shareholders' faces paled, and some began shifting uncomfortably in their seats.
"What authority do you think… you have in front of me?" Alex's tone was calm, yet the weight of his words left no room for argument.
Before they could muster a response, Alex's voice grew colder.
"From this moment on, I hereby announce…" He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he delivered his next words with absolute finality. "The year-end dividends for the shareholders are officially canceled!"
The room erupted in stunned gasps, but Alex wasn't finished.
"Furthermore, all privileges and benefits for shareholders within the company are hereby revoked!" He waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing away their protests before they could even begin.
The remaining shareholders were stunned into silence.
"What?! No, this can't be happening!" one of them muttered, his voice trembling. Their pale faces showed the dawning realization of how powerless they truly were.
For them, the only perks of holding shares in the company were the year-end dividends and the exclusive benefits. With those stripped away, their shares were practically worthless.
Worse still, given the circumstances, no one in the market would even consider buying their shares.
"What's the point of holding onto this stock now?" one of them muttered bitterly, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Alex! Please, don't do this!" one of them cried out, his tone desperate.
"If it's the shares you want, I'll sell them! I'll sell them right now!"
"Me too! I'm willing to sell my shares as well!" another chimed in hurriedly.
Just a minute ago, they had been rallying together to resist Alex's dominance. Now, they were tripping over one another in their rush to sell their shares.