Chapter 191 Mason Could Easily Deal with Ryan
"Ms. Lewis, you might not know this. Let's go inside and talk," Mason said, taking charge as soon as he arrived.
"Sure, this way," Grace gestured, leading them to her office.
Mason walked in, with Ryan following.
"Want something to drink? Tea or coffee?" Grace asked.
"Coffee's fine, thanks," Mason replied.
Grace called Lily to make a coffee and pour a glass of water.
Ryan was being difficult. "Grace, why ask him for a drink but not me? And then you only bring me water?"
Grace replied, "The water's not for you either."
Lily soon brought the coffee for Mason and the water for Grace.
Grace never intended to offer Ryan a drink, not even water.
Mason started the business talk, recounting events. Grace nodded, clearly surprised by the situation.
Mason laid out three copies of the stock transfer contract and explained the terms.
Ryan already had a big share in the Montgomery Group, with dividends enough for an average family to live comfortably for hundreds of years.
The pen was in front of Ryan, but he clenched his fists, refusing to sign.
Mason, staying calm, said, "Mr. Ryan Montgomery, Mr. Xavier Montgomery mentioned many witnesses saw the incident. He hopes you'll honor your bet."
Ryan, challenging, asked, "Grace, do you really want these shares?"
Grace, unfazed, replied, "Why wouldn't I? Where do I sign?"
Mason pointed, "Ms. Lewis, sign here."
Ryan, through clenched teeth, asked, "What if I refuse to sign?"
Mason, experienced with tough situations, stayed calm. He could easily deal with someone like Ryan
"It's simple. Mr. Xavier Montgomery dislikes those who don't keep their word," Mason said.
Mason recalled, "I remember someone who promised Mr. Xavier Montgomery something but didn't follow through. That person is now in the hospital, paralyzed from the waist down after a car accident."
"And another case, where the company had issues. That person is still in jail," Mason added, politely but scaring Ryan.
These misfortunes seemed coincidental—likely orchestrated by Xavier.
Xavier subtly threatened Ryan, implying dire consequences if he didn't keep his end of the deal. Xavier had many ways to make Ryan pay.
Under the table, Ryan's fists were clenched, but he could only be angry without acting.
Mason noticed Ryan's expression. As expected, Xavier was right; Ryan was easily intimidated.
Xavier wasn't the criminal Mason portrayed. The stories were false but effective.
Ryan, angry, gritted his teeth. "Grace, we need to talk privately."
Grace stayed firm. "Mason isn't an outsider. Just say it."
Ryan had come to discuss this with Grace, hoping to make a deal. He'd transfer the shares to Grace first, then she'd return them.
If Grace agreed, she could set any condition, except calling off the engagement. Ryan was willing to part with a tenth of his shares if Grace was on board.
Mason's unexpected arrival threw a wrench in Ryan's plans. Grace refused to talk privately, and with Mason there, Ryan couldn't say what he wanted.
"How is he not an outsider? Just a few minutes, I need to talk to you alone," Ryan insisted.
"No need, I have other things to do. Sign first." Grace signed her name on both documents.
Grace didn't really want the shares, but why turn down the money? Whether she gave it to Xavier or donated it, it was better than rejecting it outright. She could use the shares to end the engagement or protect Iris from Patrick.
Maybe Xavier had this in mind all along. He didn't promise to protect Iris, but he helped in his own way, making Grace feel even more indebted to him.
"Mr. Ryan Montgomery, please," Mason urged.
Ryan hesitated, but Grace was firm, and Mason's presence added pressure. With no way out, Ryan reluctantly signed, biting his lip hard, his hand shaking.
He planned to pretend to transfer the shares to Grace and then discuss it with her after Mason left. Or he could promise to cut ties with Kelly and stay faithful after marriage. He had paid a high price; Grace had no reason not to return the shares.
Mason collected the signed documents and stood up. "I'll handle this quickly. Rest assured."
Xavier's attention to detail was unmatched. Mason orchestrated everything, leaving Ryan no room to manipulate. Mason even insisted on taking Ryan along as they left.
"Mr. Ryan Montgomery, Mr. Xavier Montgomery wants to see you after signing," Mason said.
"What if I don't go?"
"It's fine if you don't. Mr. Xavier Montgomery said Mr. Ryan Montgomery is important enough to warrant a few people accompanying you."
Mason's words were polite, but the message was clear: if Ryan refused, they'd use force.
Ryan had no choice but to comply, feeling bitter but unable to do anything else.
Mason politely said goodbye to Grace. "Ms. Lewis, I'll be leaving now."
"Thank you, Mason."
"You're welcome. This was all Mr. Xavier Montgomery's instructions. If you want to thank someone, thank him," Mason said.
Grace nodded, unsure how to express her gratitude to Xavier.
As he was leaving, Mason noticed finance books on Grace's desk.
He offered, "Ms. Lewis, if you're interested in finance, I can recommend a few books."
"Really? That would be great." Grace quickly grabbed a pen to take notes.
In business, she was a novice, while Mason had a wealth of knowledge.
Mason listed several books and asked about Grace's proficiency in German. Since she had a decent command of the language, he suggested some German finance books too.
"Ms. Lewis, I also have a few annotated versions. I'll bring them to you next time," Mason said.
These were books Xavier had given him in college. Mason had learned a lot from them, finding the insights even more valuable than the original texts.
Later, Mason discovered the annotations were made by Xavier when he was just fifteen. Xavier's thoughts at such a young age surpassed many business experts, making Mason wonder if Xavier was truly a natural-born genius.