Chapter 516 Shareholders' Meeting
"Alright."
Diana wasn't about to force Dean into anything.
Benjamin hugged Dean's leg, beaming, "Dean, you're the best!"
Dean pulled him off, trying to look stern. "I'm not that great. You went home and forgot all about me once you saw Charles. Who's the most important to you?"
Benjamin's eyes darted around before he giggled, "Mommy is the most important!"
Dean couldn't stay mad after that, and the two started playfully bickering, just like old times in the league.
Diana stared out the window, lost in thought.
She felt like she was missing something important, but she couldn't quite figure out what it was.
She quickly pushed the thought aside when Nolan sent over some documents, including a list of shareholders and potential questions they might ask.
Diana skimmed through the list. She had seen these names on Charles's computer before, so it was like a review for her.
They were currently in a hospital, one of Charles's private facilities. His whereabouts were kept secret for now, so he was relatively safe.
But it wouldn't be long before people found out. She needed to learn to stand on her own before they came flooding in.
---
The next day, Diana and Benjamin finally got to see Charles, and even the usually impatient Dean came along.
Charles was almost completely wrapped up like a mummy, with only his face showing. He looked peaceful, as if he were just sleeping.
The beeping of the heart monitor was the only sound in the room. Dean glanced at Charles and noticed how much Benjamin resembled him.
Though he didn't want to admit it, Charles did have some good qualities.
"Mr. Percy, you need to wake up soon. Don't become a vegetable. I still want to go to the amusement park with you, and you haven't wished me a happy birthday yet."
Unlike the silent Diana, Benjamin couldn't hide his emotions and poured his heart out.
Dean ruffled Benjamin's hair, annoyed, "I take you out to play and buy you food, but you never say that to me."
Benjamin didn't respond, just buried his head in Diana's clothes, acting spoiled.
Dean sighed, worried, "The Percy Group is too complicated. You really shouldn't get involved. Diana, even though you have the ability to manage a company, a group that big... those shareholders will tear you apart."
Diana's expression didn't change, "I don't go into business because I'm not interested. The league's matters are more challenging to me. But I'm not afraid of those people at the Percy Group. Besides," she paused and looked at Dean, "I have you, don't I?"
Dean raised an eyebrow, "Didn't you say you didn't need my help? I'm not helping him!"
"Help me, not him," Diana corrected.
Dean gritted his teeth, realizing Diana was being cunning again. Compared to those shareholders, who knew who was more devious?
"Dean, please help Mommy," Benjamin tugged at his sleeve, pleading.
Dean had no choice but to relent, pulling his sleeve back, "Fine, you two schemers."
Helping Charles felt wrong no matter how he thought about it.
"Alright, we should go," Diana said first.
"So soon? Aren't you staying to take care of him?"
Dean asked instinctively, surprised she wanted to leave so quickly. He realized he was speaking up for Charles and immediately shut his mouth.
"The doctors and nurses here are more professional than I am. Staying here won't do any good," Diana said calmly, as if discussing something trivial.
But her tightly clenched fingers betrayed her true feelings.
"Let's go."
The longer she stayed in that room, the more scared she felt. She was afraid Charles might die.
---
Three days passed quickly, and Diana spent a relatively peaceful time at the hospital.
Charles remained in a coma, and Diana visited him almost every day, just to check on him.
Seeing him still breathing and his heart still beating reassured her.
The shareholders' meeting was scheduled in the circular conference room on the 33rd floor of the Percy Group Building.
Diana took a private elevator up, encountering no one on the way.
Nolan stood by her side, reminding her of important points.
Seeing her staring out at the city through the glass, he thought she was nervous and tried to comfort her, "It's okay. Mr. Percy holds the majority of the shares. As long as you show up, you can stabilize them. I'll help you too."
Diana responded with a faint "Mm," not saying much.
The elevator stopped on the 33rd floor, and the doors slowly opened. They stepped out, one after the other.
The closer they got to the conference room, the louder the noise inside became.
Charles's injury and coma were no secret.
For the lower-level employees, it wasn't a big deal, but for the shareholders and upper management, it was like the king had suddenly fallen ill.
The Percy Group was in turmoil, everyone waiting for news about Charles.
Some wanted him to live, while others wished for his death.
Abigail quickened her pace to greet them. She wasn't familiar with Diana but still gave her an encouraging gesture.
As the conference room doors opened, the noisy crowd fell silent.
Over thirty shareholders turned their eyes to Diana.
Some were curious, some puzzled, and others disdainful.
She heard someone raise their voice mockingly, "Nolan, is this your explanation? Did you just pick a random woman off the street? This is a major internal matter, not child's play!"
Nolan remained unfazed, seating Diana in Charles's usual spot, "Everyone, please calm down. I understand the importance of today's meeting. We'll address everything in due time."
"As for the comment about picking someone off the street, if that were the case, would we need three days to prepare?"
"Nolan, I don't care who this person is. How is Mr. Percy? Why can't we see him?" another shareholder demanded, clearly dissatisfied with Nolan.
"Mr. Percy just had surgery and needs rest. If you all go to visit, the media will follow. If anyone can see him, Mr. Percy will become a zoo exhibit," Nolan retorted smoothly, handling the shareholders with ease.
He added, "I know what you're all thinking. We'll discuss everything once Ms. Sinclair arrives. If you continue to argue, please leave. This isn't a marketplace."
The room fell silent, and the shareholders loyal to Charles looked worried.
Seeing Diana sitting there silently made them feel even more hopeless.
Diana sat upright, accepting all the stares.
The more they looked, the more familiar she seemed, but they couldn't place her.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone. Traffic was terrible," a voice said.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
