Chapter 69 That's Your Mom's Bad Luck
James's face went pale, his lips quivering like he wanted to say something but couldn't get it out.
Beatrice, though, was fuming, practically grinding her teeth. "Selena, is this really what you think of us? If it wasn't for you back then, would James have had to wrong me and Alice? Alice's condition got worse because of that! You're just ungrateful. If you want to buy a house with James's money, that's up to me. You probably don't know, but James gave me ten percent of the company shares. I have a say in this too."
Selena was floored.
Wasn't that ten percent supposed to be hers from Barbara?
She shot a look at James, who was avoiding her eyes. "Dad, did you give Beatrice your shares, or did you hand over the ones Mom left for me?"
Selena stared hard at James, trying to read every flicker of his expression.
Caught off guard, James stammered, "I thought you were still young, and when you have kids, I'd give those shares to them. By then, I'll transfer both Barbara's shares and mine to you."
It all clicked for Selena.
Her fists clenched at her sides as she seethed, "So, Beatrice has my mom's shares?"
James nodded, "Yes, because transferring shares was tricky back then, and the shareholders were causing issues. If I transferred my shares, I might lose control of the company. I have forty percent, and Barbara had ten percent. As long as these shares stay in the family, it doesn't matter whose name they're under. We're family, right?"
Selena closed her eyes, feeling a wave of frustration.
James always had this calm, reasonable tone.
If he were outright cruel, she could hate him easily.
But his mix of good and bad made it so much harder.
Seeing her expression, James quickly added, "If it bothers you, I'll transfer ten percent to you now."
Selena laughed bitterly and shook her head, "No need. I just want my mom's shares back. My mom built this from scratch with you, and Beatrice just came in to enjoy the success. Why should she get my mom's shares?"
Beatrice was livid. She had barely held it together when James mentioned transferring ten percent, and now she exploded, "That's Barbara's bad luck for not being around to enjoy it. Who can she blame? The Fair Group was built by James. He can give shares to whoever he wants. I'm his legal wife now. If you want James to buy you a villa, fine, but it has to be in my name."
"Enough," James pulled her back. "Beatrice, stop."
James sighed deeply, trying to keep his cool. "Selena, Barbara's death was an accident. I've been trying to make it up to you, but my energy is limited. The company needs me, and Alice has been in the hospital. Beatrice means no harm and never wanted to push you away. You chose to move out, and I tried to stop you. As for marrying you to Raymond, was that really so bad? Many women would kill for that chance."
After a pause, James continued, "I'll transfer 5 million dollars to your account. Use it to buy a house. I didn't handle this well, but you need to apologize to Beatrice first. She's your stepmother..."
Selena shot back, "I won't apologize to her."
James, getting frustrated, said, "Then no money. Apologize, and you'll get it."
Seeing James's stern face, Selena smirked. "Dad, keep it to yourself. I need to go back to Ridgefield. I've arranged with Uncle Brian to visit Mom's grave. If you have time to look at houses, you should go see her."
Selena's tone was cold, not wanting to waste more time. She turned to the agent beside her.
The agent, having seen the whole drama, felt awkward and quickly raised his hand. "Ms. Fair, there are two other properties. Want to check them out?"
Selena nodded and was about to leave when she heard James's angry question. "You're still in contact with Brian?"
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