Chapter 311

Richard interrupted sharply, "Out of the question! Didn't I promise you shares after resolving this mess? What's this sudden demand?"

He'd involved Vivian not to genuinely save Dawson Enterprises from collapse, but as a pawn in his own escape plan. Richard's business incompetence, worsened by Natasha's scandal, had severed ties with potential allies. He and Daphne planned to liquidate assets through Vivian, flee abroad, and leave creditors chasing shadows.

If Vivian consolidated shares now, it would drain the funds meant for their getaway. After meticulously drawing her into this trap, Richard wouldn't let her flip the game board.

Vivian's gaze turned glacial as she addressed the room. "Even if we survive this crisis, Dawson Enterprises' obsolete business model is doomed. Face it—I'm your only viable buyer."

Shareholders exchanged uneasy glances, smelling an exit strategy. Richard rushed to intervene, "With proper funding, we'll secure new suppliers and deliver orders. The projected profits outweigh current losses."

Their greed, as always, knew no limits.

Swayed by Richard's empty promises, shareholders turned on Vivian. "Ms. Hartley, this is your family legacy," one wheedled. "Half should rightfully be yours. Would you really hold grudges against your own father? Help us now, and he'll remember your kindness."

The mood turned hostile. "How can you be so heartless?" another snapped. "You're just exploiting this crisis to seize control! But do you even have what it takes to run this company?"

Murmurs of agreement filled the room until a voice cut through like arctic wind. "My wife might lack experience, but I don't."

All heads swiveled toward the entrance where Adrian Blackwood strode in, Ethan Caldwell trailing with armfuls of documents. Towering over everyone with his chiseled features and commanding presence, Adrian looked like he'd stepped off a luxury watch advertisement. The Blackwood heir needed no introduction.

Ethan placed a chair beside Vivian. Adrian sat, interlacing their fingers. "You shouldn't face wolves alone."

Vivian arched a brow, playing along. "I didn't want to trouble the busy CEO."

Richard and Daphne exchanged panicked looks—they hadn't anticipated Adrian's personal involvement. Forcing a smile, Richard stepped forward. "Mr. Blackwood, this minor internal matter hardly warrants your attention."

Adrian's laugh held no warmth. "Minor? When you're bullying my wife?"

Ethan surveyed the room—Vivian was the only one seated, perfectly composed. He marveled at Adrian's ability to spin narratives, even when exaggerating.

With theatrical flourish, Ethan scattered documents across the conference table, sparking chaos among shareholders.

Vivian skimmed the papers, recognizing their lethal potential instantly. These were smoking guns—proof of Richard's mismanagement and other shareholders' embezzlement. Dawson Enterprises wasn't just failing; it was being looted. She'd uncovered most herself, gathering the courage to confront this den of thieves alone today.

The real game was about to begin.