SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 321
321 Me vs. Gabriel, I Win
(Judy)
I stride into the boardroom, heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Gabriel is seated at the long, glass table, arms crossed, that smug little smirk on his face.
He thinks he's got me backed into a corner. It's almost adorable.
"Judy," he says, leaning back in his chair like he owns the world. "I assume you've called this meeting to discuss the shares my sisters own?"
I smile, a slow, predatory smile. He's so sure of himself. So damn sure he's pulling one over on me. But this is my playground. Brennan Industries has been my success for years.
I've always been ten steps ahead of every man who thought he could outsmart me. The only other person I'll ever allow to run it is Jayden. And he's off being a little fish in a big pond right now. "That's exactly what I'm here to discuss," I say, sitting down across from him. I place my hands on the table, fingers steepled. "I've been hearing some interesting things about this... agreement of yours." Gabriel's charming smile widens, like he's about to show off his latest little trick. "It's all above board, Judy. My sisters want to sell to me, and we've come to terms. Nothing illegal."
I raise an eyebrow, pretending to be amused. "Oh, I'm sure you think it's all neat and tidy. But I'm afraid you've overlooked one very important detail. Like reading the small print."
His confidence falters for a second, just a flicker, but I catch it. Good.
"Small print?" he asks, the smile faltering
"I wonder, did you even read the contract you signed, or did you get a lawyer?" I lean forward, my voice
cool and measured.
I can tell by the look in his eyes that he's done neither. First lesson in business in the USA. Don't assume anything. Read the small print.
I give him a close-lipped smile before speaking again. "There's a clause in the original contract Jayden left when he handed me majority control of Brennan Industries and signed the rest to you and your sisters. "What clause?"
"A clause that states any shares up for sale must first be offered to me the majority shareholder-before anyone else. That includes family members." I continue as I watch the realization hit him.
Gabriel's face goes rigid. I can almost hear the gears turning in his head, trying to figure a way around it. But there isn't one.
"So, legally," I go on, letting the satisfaction creep into my voice, "your sisters can't sell those shares to you. They have to offer them to me first. And I can tell you right now, I'm more than happy to take those shares off their hands at full market price." Gabriel's jaw tightens. He leans forward, his calm exterior cracking. "You're bluffing."
+25 BONUS
I laugh softly. "I have zero need to bluff. The clause is Ironclad. If your sisters want to sell, they sell to me. You're out of the picture. You'll never own more shares than me and, ergo... you'll never push me out of Brennan Industries."
He slams a fist on the table, his mask of calm slipping completely. "You can't do this. They're my family, I should get the first option."
"Family," I repeat, my voice dripping with contempt. "Let's not pretend this is about family, Gabriel. You're trying to consolidate power, and we both know it."
I stand up and lean over him, to show my superiority. "But here's the thing-Brennan Industries is mine. It's always been mine. And I won't let Greg's bastard children take it from me."
He glares at me, seething with barely contained fury. There's nothing he can do, and he knows it. But I know it's being called a bastard child that's really got to him.
I walk away and pour myself a scotch at the sideboard.
"Just cut your losses, Gabriel and toddle back to Cuba like a good boy. I'll buy you out," I say, then I down my scotch and grimace before continuing, "double market value for your shares. It's a generous offer." Gabriel narrows his eyes. "I'm not selling.
"Suit yourself," I say, my tone casual, knowing full well how much this burns him. "But just so you're fully aware, the clause applies to you as well. If you ever decide to sell, those shares come to me first. You can't offload them to anyone else without my approval." His fists clench at his sides. "You're locking me out of selling.
"I didn't write the contract that you signed." I smile sweetly. "It's business, Gabriel. Don't take it personally."
He stands up, glaring across at me. "Don't think I'm giving up."
I chuckle softly, standing up to meet his gaze. "Gabriel-you're playing a game you're not equipped to win. This is my world, and you're just passing through."
Honestly, it's really too easy.
I always find a way and usually they play right into my hands. Like this ridiculous no-contact order. Let's see how that goes when I arrive in Europe. It cannot be enforced there.
I'm certain that the Nexus Global team will be pleased to see me. After-all, they all love me, and I made it my business to learn all I could while I was in Europe. Hugo was very helpful. But I digress. Back to the job at hand.
"Until next time, Gabriel. Have a nice day." With that, I turn on my heel and walk out of the boardroom, leaving him fuming in my wake. Satisfaction bubbles in my chest. Brennan Industries is mine.
And I'll watch it burn to the ground before I let anyone take it from me.
Now, I can set my sights on my next acquisitio