SWNOVELS Chapter 5
"So, Robert, are you happy to see me back?" an icy smile etched on Claire lips. Robert cleared her throat trying to look calm even though inside he is freaking out. He can't help but wonder if she is indeed Claire Peterson. "Oh my God, dear you are alive." Robert rose up from his seat and embraced Claire in a hugged. A look of confused plastered on Claire face. Earlier Robert looked as white as a ghost and suddenly he acted nice and warm. Claire could not help but wonders what trick he has up on his sleeve. "I am glad to see you." Claire pulled away and took a step back. Something about Robert making her feel uneasy. The man who she trusted took over the company she build. Claire admit maybe it is partly her fault since she was so trusting back then, however, this is a new start for Claire. "Anyway, I heard there will be a shareholders meeting. Is that right?" Robert hesitated before nodded. "Yes." "When is it?" "I think it'll be a bit late around 2 pm." "I just got information that the meeting is currently on the go." Matthew said in a professional tone. "Shall we, Robert?" Claire turned on her heels and headed to the meeting. As Claire stepped into the boardroom, she scanned the faces of the shareholders, finding them all unfamiliar except for one. She felt a surge of frustration, suspecting that Robert was behind this. He seemed to have replaced her trusted team with individuals more concerned with profits than technological advancement. During Claire disappearance, Robert managed to replace them. Robert doesn't one anything related to Claire that appear or exist in this company. Robert as the CEO heading to the head of the table, interestingly enough, Claire has seated herself there. Annoyance starting to build up inside Robert. He needs to remain calm since he can't ruin his image in front of these shareholders. Claire didn't wait for the talk and whisper to subside. "So, Robert, it seems like you replace all my people." Claire smiled at him. The noise quietly went down as they put their attention towards Claire. "I assure you; they are all experienced businessman and woman." "How thoughtful of you." "Excuse me, who are you? This is a board meeting, not a playground." Claire raised her brows at the big old man whose hair is nonexistent and has more fat on his chin than his tummy. Claire calmly look at him and smiled before she stood up and introduce herself. "I'm Claire Peterson. The person who build Metacortex from scratch." Everyone in the room laughed in unison. One thing that Claire really hates is when people underestimate her. "A child like you create the biggest technology & software company? You must be joking." Claire pay no mind. "And I will take my place back as CEO of this company." Her tone is serious and firm radiating confidence. Those who make fun of her earlier have their mouth gapped open. "Robert what is this?!" a woman in her late 40s commented. "Is this some kind of a joke?" "Calm down, Linda. I'll deal with this." Robert said, his voice tight with irritation. "Claire, dear, listen. Running a company is not as easy as playing games. You need to be serious and passionate in the business world." Claire argued. "I am passionate. I build this." "Yes, yes, I know. You build this but I was there helping you." The scheming man has started his first move. Just like the game chess, he move his pawn. Claire know better than succumb even though right now, no one is on her side. "I know and I am thankful, but you only lend me the money not the brain." Claire spoke calmly but direct. Again, the room filled with whispers. Cannot help feeling curious, Claire wonder what story Robert told them and make them believe he is the creator of Metacortex corporation. The old man could not even detect Microsoft Office and how to use it. Let alone building a company this big in the technology area. "But do you know that to be a chairman you must have at least 50% shares of the company." Claire nodded and silent for a moment. Robert took her silence as an answer that she doesn't own even 1% of the company shares. "Maybe one day, dear." Robert stood up as he was going to usher Claire out of the room. "I know. That is why I have 51% shares in this company." Gasped echoing through the room. Whispers are getting louder. Robert face is as white as snow. "H-How? What do you mean?" "I mean that I have 51% shares." "But- I acquire all your shares!" Claire chuckled coldly. "You were so eager that you did not read the fine print." "What is the fine print?" her Cheshire smile send chill down his spine. "You should re-read it again." Claire clapped her hand silencing the loud noise in the room. She scanned the room, her demeanor poised and composed. "If anyone has objections, feel free to talk." They can only exchange look not daring to look Claire in the eyes as they sense her seriousness. "You're still a kid! You know nothing about business. What if you bankrupt this company? I object this!" his voice firm full of doubt. Pedro who is also known as Robert best buddies strongly object. Claire is not surprised if she hears one or two more of Robert followers objecting. "I appreciate the honesty." Claire's response was swift and direct. "I own this company, if it goes bankrupt, it's my responsibility. But if you're too afraid to take the risk, feel free to sell your shares to me. Anyone else?" Pedro's face reddened with embarrassment, realizing he had underestimated Claire's resolve. "Well, if there is no more objection, As of today, I am taking my place back as the CEO of Metacortex corporation." At that moment, Claire felt like she has been reborn. Meanwhile Alex is still at the hospital. He sat on the chair next to Lisa's bed. The operation goes well, and the tumor has been lifted. Weirdly enough, his mind drifted back to Claire. He blame Lisa for constantly bring her name in every conversation. He push the thought out of his head and focus on his lover. Lisa's eyes blinked open. "Hey," she said weakly. "Hey, how are you feeling?" Alex moved and sat on the bed next to her. "I'm okay. Why are you still here?" "I just want to make sure you are okay." Lisa could not help but feel jealous of Claire. She married a handsome, sweet, kind, and wealthy man. They have been friend for 3 years but why does a nobody like Claire can be so lucky, She got better job, better paycheck, and better man. Meanwhile Lisa has a shitty job, underpaid and an alcoholic boyfriend. At least she got rid of her boyfriend. She wants nothing else but Claire's life. Everything that Claire's own, she has to own it. Even if it means stealing her husband.