Chapter 2 A Deal with the Devil

"Dominic Stones is about to learn what it means to lose."

He couldn't get Elena's remarks out of his head even after the program was over. She had made it public: Silvers Enterprises was pursuing Stones Holdings, and she had no intention of requesting permission. The things she desired were being taken. She was getting personal about it.

As he sat at his computer, Dominic's fingers tightened as he watched the television; Elena, the woman he had once loved and abandoned, was standing in front of a room full of reporters. She had the appropriate appearance ,strong, composed, and cool. The distraught lady who had pleaded for his affection years ago didn't look like her now.

His inner tempest threatened to burst as he combed through his hair.

"How the hell did she pull this off?" More than everybody else in the room, Dominic murmured to himself. He relived the moment in his thoughts, the confident, fluid way Elena had declared the takeover, her words piercing the atmosphere like a sword.

"We've done our research. Silvers Enterprises have the necessary resources to acquire Stones Holdings. He kept hearing the words in his mind. He was aware of her potential, but this was a whole other level of theatricality. She wasn't only targeting his business; she was contesting all he had fought so hard to achieve.

His loyal right-hand guy, Nathan Pierce, walked in as the door to his office suddenly opened. His expression was as surprised as Dominic's, but his eyes had a hint of terror.

"Sir, we need to talk."

Dominic kept his head down. At first, his thoughts were too preoccupied for him to see Nathan. But he quickly regained consciousness as the seriousness of the situation dawned on him.

"What is it?"

With a hushed voice, Nathan moved forward. "She takes this to heart."Silvers Enterprises has spent the last six months purchasing shares in secret. A motion has been made. a large one.

Dominic's thoughts were scattered. "What did I miss? It should have been obvious to me."

"No one saw it coming," Nathan answered."Silvers Enterprises has been taking a long-term approach. They now own enough shares to launch a hostile takeover.

Dominic clenched his jaw. "How much?"

Nathan took a time to think. "Enough to seize the board."

Dominic got up as his chair pulled back, yelling. He darkened his eyes. "This is war."

"The board has already been divided," Nathan said, nodding. The other half already support her, and they are too scared to oppose her. The deadline for our response is fewer than twenty-four hours before the voting.*

Dominic didn't answer right away. Already, he was planning his next move. Not just another business, but the very lady he had discarded was posing a danger to his empire. The lady who used to be his whole world.

"How are we responding?" inquired Nathan.

Dominic walked around the room, thinking. Power, control, and retaliation were the main goals of this takeover attempt in addition to financial gain. Elena had spent months, if not more, organizing this. He was determined to stop her from getting away with it, however. He was going to fight.

Then he looked at Nathan. "Make a counter offer." " I want to meet with the significant stockholders tonight. Obtain a list of the board members who remain faithful for me.

Nathan's eyes softly broadened. "Are you proceeding with a buyout?"

He shook his head, "I'm not purchasing any property. She will be crushed in the boardroom by us. We will engage her in combat if she desires one.

Given the seriousness of what Dominic was about to undertake, Nathan nodded. Their conversation had shifted from a straightforward commercial deal. This was a private matter.

The buzzing of Dominic's phone jolted him out of his reverie. He gave the screen a quick look. A notice by email.

"Board Meeting Invitation: Silvers Enterprises."

His gut clenched at the mere mention of it. He opened the email with a touch and swiftly skimmed through it. The next day was a planned meeting. An extraordinary meeting for Stones Holdings' shareholders.

"She's already making her move."

"We need to get ahead of this," Nathan said in a pressing tone.

For an instant, Dominic remained still, his mind figuring out every action he needed to do. He had always held the reins of power and established the regulations. However, Elena had turned the tables. Not only did she want to control his business, but she also wanted to control him.

"Get everything ready," Dominic said in a cold voice."Assign our legal team to get ready for battle." Every Stones Holdings stakeholder should be aware of this woman's true intentions.

Nathan's eyebrows went up. "You'd want to choose that path? Let her be exposed? Are you certain that's sage?*

His eyes were harsh as Dominic turned to face him. "Nathan, she's trying to ruin me. Half of the board has already been influenced by her charisma. We're going to lose everything if we don't give her a heavy blow immediately. This goes beyond business. It is personal."

With a nod, Nathan hurried to fulfill Dominic's instructions. Dominic, on the other hand, stood at the window, gazing out over the city, while he exited the room. Even though he was miles away, he could just feel Elena's weight on him.

It would be necessary for him to outmaneuver her in a manner he hadn't done in years. With his hands still clasped firmly at his sides, his mind was racing with schemes.

It would be necessary for her to battle him before she could defeat him.

Dominic was staring at the skyline of the city when his phone buzzed once again. Already expecting terrible news, he picked it up.

However, his heart skipped a beat at seeing the name on the screen.

He received the word from one of Silvers Enterprises' most reliable insiders.

"She isn't merely stealing Stones Holdings." She is specifically targeting you. You'll be shocked to learn who is supporting her."