CHAPTER 332
“I’ll buy all your shares at double the current price. If you’re so desperate to cut ties with me, take the cash, shut your mouths, and get lost.”
'Double the current price'
Everyone was stunned into silence once more.
The stock value had dropped significantly that morning, but it had been strong before the scandal. Xander’s bold offer to pay double its previous worth was nothing short of astonishing.
If this wasn’t proof that Xander had no intention of surrendering his authority to anyone, including his wife, then it only reinforced the belief that he was unfazed by the scandal’s consequences.
His statement hit like a thunderclap, leaving the directors momentarily speechless.
Despite the current crisis, Xander’s track record has always exceeded their expectations.
Selling their shares now might save them from immediate risk, but if Xander managed to navigate the company through this storm, the profits they forfeited could dwarf the temporary relief they sought.
Michael observed the scene, impressed by how effortlessly Xander’s confidence silenced the room. Such a commanding presence was rare, and it validated why Michael had chosen him as a partner.
However, Michael couldn’t help but feel regret. In his eyes, Xander’s steadfast defense of a woman was reckless. It revealed a vulnerability that, to Michael, signalled a limitation in Xander’s ability to conquer the upper echelons of the business world.
With a serious expression, Michael finally broke the silence.
“I see, Mr. King. Since you’ve declined my proposal, the SVR Group has no choice but to formally request the termination of our partnership as outlined in the contract. We’ll also proceed with legal action to seek compensation. I truly wish you all the best in the future. Goodbye."
Michael terminated the video call abruptly, leaving no room for further discussion. His decision was final, and the tension in the conference room thickened as the directors exchanged troubled glances, their expressions heavy with frustration.
...
In the quiet of the hotel room, Arianna sat motionless, her phone slipping from her grasp and landing softly beside her. Her arms wrapped around her knees as she pressed her face against them, trying to steady her swirling emotions.
Xander’s unwavering support echoed in her mind, the words he had spoken in her defense ringing louder than the surrounding chaos. Despite the storm of criticism and opposition, he had stood by her without hesitation. The realization made her heart ache with a mix of gratitude and guilt.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Arianna reached for her phone and hesitated before opening GossipNet. A flood of cruel remarks awaited her. She skimmed through the remarks aimed at her, but it was the attacks on Xander that truly cut deep.
Her chest tightened as she read the relentless accusations against him. The man who had risked everything to protect her was being vilified. Each hateful word felt like a personal blow, and the pain was almost unbearable.
Arianna clenched her fists, her heart heavy with the weight of his sacrifice, determined to find a way to make things right.
Arianna deactivated her profile to escape the torrent of hateful comments and redirected her focus to a news website for the latest updates.
The headlines confirmed her deepest fears—King Group’s stock had taken a nosedive. Outlets that had once lauded the company were now delivering scathing critiques.
The articles suggested that Xander was so consumed by his emotions that he was making impulsive decisions. They warned that his emotional choices could lead to the corporation's downfall, casting doubt on his leadership and tarnishing his reputation.
While Arianna understood that the media often sensationalized stories for clicks, she also recognized how quickly public sentiment could change. The damage to Xander’s image was evident.
To complicate matters further, there was the impending termination of SVD’s contract with King Group. The substantial financial penalties associated with this could destabilize the company, threatening everything Xander had tirelessly built.
He had always stood by her side, defending her when no one else would. The thought that she might be the source of his suffering and the potential destruction of his legacy shattered her heart. Arianna was resolute in her determination to find a way to support him, no matter the cost.
........
Xander arrived home late, the stress of the day evident on his face. As he opened the door, he was welcomed by the enticing scent of a home-cooked meal. His keen eyes quickly scanned the dining table, which was beautifully set with an impressive selection of dishes that required considerable effort to prepare. The soft glow of candlelight filled the room, creating a cosy and almost dreamlike ambiance.
Intrigued, he stepped further inside. Arianna was in the kitchen, adding the final touches to the last dish. She turned at the sound of his entrance and greeted him with a gentle smile. Without a moment's hesitation, Xander crossed the room, wrapped his arm around her waist, and kissed her temple.
“What a wonderful surprise,” he said softly, his tone light yet curious.
“What’s the occasion?”
Arianna met his gaze, her smile wavering slightly as she gestured toward the table.
“I thought it would be nice to cook for you tonight,” she replied simply.
“Please, have a seat and enjoy.”
Xander sat down and began to eat, his usual guarded demeanour softening with each bite.
“This is incredible,” he said after finishing one dish, his voice warm with gratitude.
“You’ve outdone yourself.”
Arianna sat across from him, quiet yet composed, her eyes focused on the table rather than on him. When he finally set down his fork, she took a deep breath, her hands tightly clasped in her lap.
“Xander,” she said, her voice steady but heavy with meaning. She looked up to meet his gaze, her expression calm yet determined.
"We need to have a conversation... I believe it's time for us to part ways. Let’s get a divorce.”
The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically, her words hanging heavily in the air. Xander’s expression darkened, the warmth of the moment abruptly replaced by a tense seriousness.
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