Chapter 3 THREE

CHAPTER THREE

STEPHANIE'S P.O.V

"Wow, you really had to go there, didn't you?" I chucked darkly, my commanding presence filling the room. "Let me make something crystal clear to all of you. Not only did my mother once hold the highest shares after my father, but now I do. I own both my and my father's shares, which gives me the majority. So, let's see how you plan to kick me out of what's rightfully mine. I'd love to see you try," I paused, making sure my words hit home, narrowing my eyes at each board member and stopping at my uncle.

"You may question my experience. That's fine," I continued, my voice dangerously low. "But make no mistake, I'm not just a shareholder; I also hold an MBA in business, which means I am more than capable of running this company."

"Now," I leaned forward, locking eyes with each of them, "If anything happens to me, my family, or any of my father's businesses, you'll be dealing with me and the law. If you're uncomfortable with me being the CEO, I suggest you sell your shares. I already have a list of investors waiting to take your place and work with someone who knows what they're doing."

The room was so silent you could hear their breaths. I stood up, causing a rippling effect as everyone else rose from their chairs. "That brings us to the end of this meeting, and never again will a meeting be called without my knowledge. Have a nice day," I finished, leaving the stunned silence behind me

"That was intense," Cole said, his voice trailing behind me as he followed me to my office. I glanced at him briefly

"The meeting was... very intense. I'll admit, I thought you wouldn't be able to handle it, but you surprised me."

"I guess I should take that as a compliment. What do you think you are doing?" I asked, eyeing him as he made himself comfortable in one of the chairs

"I would like a cup of coffee," he said casually to my assistant before turning to me. "And yes, that was a compliment, though I think you should brace yourself for the worst. Your uncle gives me the creeps, and you should get used to seeing me in your office, we are business partners after all," he added with a sly grin

I rolled my eyes just in time as Barrister Zion burst into my office, looking all disheveled, making me look at him in alarm

"Good afternoon, Stephanie, sorry to barge in on you this late, but something important came up," he stuttered, clearly distressed

I stood up in panic, ushering him to a seat. "Is everything alright?"

"Unfortunately, no," he said, straightening his jacket nervously, "I just realized I didn't tell you an important part of the will."

"What??" I froze, shock shooting through me like a thunderbolt. "How can you leave out such important information?" I demanded

"What exactly are you saying?" I snapped at him, my voice laced with fury. "Don't just stand there, say something!" Every fiber of my being wanted to grab and slam his head against the nearest wall.

Ma'am," he spluttered clearly intimidated but I was too far in anger to give a damn

I glared at him, face red with anger. "Barrister Zion, a while ago, when you were spitting out rubbish from your mouth, you were confident, now all of a sudden you aren't anymore? I'll ask you one last time, what exactly are you saying?"

He swallowed hard, avoiding my eyes. "The thing... is your dad put an age limit, and if you are not married by then, your uncle has the right to contend for the position of CEO."

My blood boiled. "Why didn't you say this while reading the will?" I practically growled, my frustration crawling its way to the surface

"I didn't think your uncle was going to try and get the company this early," he muttered, obviously at a loss at the situation

I grimaced and rubbed my forehead, feeling the onset of a headache. So, this was now my reality! "So, let me get this straight," I said slowly, trying to contain the bubble of anger threatening to lash out. "You're saying I have to get married before my 27th birthday or my uncle can take everything my father has ever worked for?" I asked, my confusion evident from my deep frown and upset disposition

Barrister Zion sighed heavily, finally managing to meet my eyes. "Unfortunately, yes."

I waved dismissively. "You can go, I'll call you later."

The room went silent after he left, except for the sound of my pacing footsteps. My mind was racing, trying to make sense of this madness and find a solution immediately

"You need to calm down," Cole's voice cut through my train of thought

I stopped pacing and whipped around to face him. "Excuse me," I growled

He raised his hands in surrender. "Take it easy, tigress. You have been pacing for about thirty minutes, and it was starting to give me a headache. Pacing will not give you the solution to the problem right now," I glared at him, but obliged him

"He knew exactly why he called that meeting. Such an asshole. I honestly don't know what to do," I fumed, just thinking about the stunt my uncle pulled

Cole watched me cautiously before saying, "Get married."

I scoffed, "From where? Should I pluck the man from a tree?" I asked sarcastically

"Don't you have a boyfriend?" he asked, to which I responded negatively

"What? How can a woman like you not be in a relationship?" he exclaimed, his eyes bulging out. I cocked an eyebrow "Fine, fine I am sorry it was out of shock. I think I might have a solution. Get married to me."

I burst into a fit of laughter. "Please tell me you are joking," I looked at his face and saw that he wasn't joking, making me sober up quickly

"You cannot be serious! I don't even know you, so why would I want to marry you?"

He shrugged, "It's no different from marrying a stranger, which is what you'll end up doing anyway. Besides, I need you as much as you need me."

"How do you mean?" I asked cautiously

"I am the right heir to my company, but my grandfather wants me to get married before he relinquishes all rights to me. And since he wants to retire soon, he is threatening to hand it over to one of his trusted workers, and the guy gives me the creeps," he said, shuddering slightly

"Hmm, can I think about this?"

He stood up, smoothing out his suit. "Yep, but remember your uncle is hot on your tail. And I am here if you need any advice. I am sure this is hard for you."

As he left, I exhaled deeply. That man... I found myself thinking as I watched him go. He's definitely something.