Chapter 226
Including him, 18 shareholders voted to fire the managers, representing 45% of the shares. Those opposed, like Gianna and Felix, were only four, holding 25%.
He sneered at Gianna and Felix, "The results are in. Any objections?"
Gianna, unfazed, dialed a number. "Thomas, one shareholder hasn't voted yet, remember?"
Thomas felt uneasy. "Natalie's not here, so she forfeits her vote."
Gianna smiled, "Proxy voting is allowed, right?"
Thomas glared at her, barely containing his anger.
The call connected. "Garrett, is Natalie awake? I need to talk to her."
"Sure," Garrett said, handing the phone to Natalie. Her face lit up as she heard it was Gianna.
"Gianna," Natalie smiled. "I wanted to call you, but my throat just got better."
"Natalie, I need to tell you something."
Gianna explained Thomas's plan to fire the managers. Natalie, furious, asked Gianna to vote against it on her behalf.
After calming Natalie, Gianna hung up.
"Everyone heard Natalie. With her shares, 55% oppose the dismissal. Did I miscalculate?"
Thomas sneered, standing up, "Felix, Gianna, don't think this win affects me. You'll pay for this!"
He stormed out, dialing a number in his office, "Was that poison you gave me fake?! How is Natalie still alive?"
He was told the poison would kill Natalie within a week. Assuming she was dead, he thought Gianna and Felix were hiding it to reclaim the Clinton Group.
But Natalie was alive and recovering!
"The poison's fine. You must've used too little," the other party said, hanging up. Thomas called back, but no one answered.
Furious, Thomas smashed his phone and swept the documents off his desk.
Gianna and Felix informed the managers that they could stay. The managers were thrilled, not wanting to leave the Clinton Group.
"Felix, Gianna, thank you!"
Felix remained indifferent and said, "Get back to work."
Soon, the HR manager arrived to help with onboarding.
After everyone left, Gianna said, "Felix, I'll be leaving now."
As she turned to leave, Felix grabbed her wrist, "Gianna, I'm sorry. I've been thinking about it all night and understand why you wanted to break up. I'm sorry for making you feel wronged."
Gianna's body tensed, and after a pause, she said, "It's okay. It's over now."
Felix's eyes dimmed, "I am not giving give up on us."
Gianna pulled his hand away and left without looking back.
On her way back to the villa, Gianna got a call from Laura, who invited her to dinner.
When Gianna arrived at the restaurant, it was past seven.
Laura waved her over. Gianna sat down, "Why the sudden dinner invite?"
Laura rolled her eyes, "You disappeared for days. I was worried."
Gianna smiled, picking up the menu, "Aren't you busy with Mitchell?"
Laura's face briefly showed discomfort, "He's been discharged. I won't be seeing him anymore."
Gianna sensed something was off, "Why the sudden change?"
"We're just different people. It's better to end things now."
Seeing the sadness in Laura's eyes, Gianna didn't know how to comfort her. Her own love life was a mess.
"As long as you're certain about it."
Laura nodded, "Yes. How are things with you and Felix?"
"We broke up."
Laura frowned, "What? Are you serious? When you disappeared, he asked me if I could contact you.
"He even asked Mitchell and Raymond to help find you," she continued. "I think he really loves you."
Gianna's grip on her cup tightened, but she stayed silent.
Seeing she didn't want to talk, Laura changed the topic, "I'm starting a new project tomorrow. A TV series, probably six months on set."
Gianna looked surprised, "What kind of show takes that long?" she asked.
"Director Fisher's new drama," Laura explained. "He's a perfectionist, so it'll take longer."
Gianna nodded, "That's great. The best way to get over a breakup is to bury yourself in work."
Laura laughed, "Or start a new relationship."
"But that's not fair to the new person."
"True, so I don't plan to hurt anyone."
After dinner, as they left the restaurant, Gianna noticed Mitchell nearby, staring at Laura.
"Laura, it looks like he wants to talk to you."
Laura glanced coldly at Mitchell, "I have nothing to say to him."
As the car pulled up, Laura was about to get in when someone grabbed her wrist.
"Laura, we need to talk."
Laura shook off his hand, "Mitchell, we're not close. Don't touch me."
The disgust in her eyes stung him, and his face darkened.
"About what happened in the hospital room, I..."
Laura cut him off, turning to Gianna, "Gianna, you go ahead. I need to clear things up with him."
"Okay, call me if you need anything."
Mitchell smiled bitterly, "Gianna, don't worry, I won't harm her."
"Hope you keep your word."
After Gianna left, Laura looked coldly at Mitchell, "Let's find a quieter place to talk."
She got into the car without looking back at him.
