Chapter 418

The moment Vivian finished scanning the document, Ethan leaned closer. "Dawson Enterprises has already liquidated their shares."

Her head snapped up. "At what price?"

Ethan's lips curved knowingly. "Fifteen percent below your initial offer. Even discounted, finding buyers was like selling ice in winter." His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "The supplier crisis remains our little secret. Mr. Blackwood insisted we wait until after the transaction. Had it leaked, those shares would've doubled in value."

Vivian opened her mouth to inquire about the buyer when headlights cut through the parking lot. A sleek black sedan pulled alongside Adrian's vehicle.

Twin figures emerged - Richard and Daphne Dawson. Their faces showed no surprise at Vivian's presence.

Daphne's smile stretched like taffy. "What a delightful surprise, Vivian! Fancy meeting you here."

Richard's sneer could curdle milk. "Ungrateful child. Did you truly believe you could outmaneuver me? I'd rather burn those shares than see you control my company."

Before Vivian could retort, a third figure emerged - a portly man in a tailored suit. The Dawsons' smugness evaporated like morning dew.

"Mr. Ramirez," Daphne simpered, voice dripping saccharine. She turned to Vivian with razor-edged sweetness. "Allow me to introduce Mr. Ramirez of Horizon Technologies. Our new majority shareholder."

Vivian's gaze sharpened. Horizon was Crestwood's fastest-growing tech conglomerate.

The newcomer approached Adrian and Vivian with obsequious deference. "Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood," he greeted, bowing slightly. His round face glistened with nervous sweat, giving him the appearance of an overeager spaniel.

Richard muttered to Daphne, "The man owns thirty percent of Horizon yet grovels like a servant. Pathetic."

Adrian silenced Ramirez with a microscopic head shake.

Richard stepped forward, smirking at Vivian. "Perfect timing! I was just taking Mr. Ramirez to meet the board. They should know who truly holds the reins now."

Vivian caught the silent exchange between Adrian and Ramirez. The newcomer's deference suggested an ally, not an adversary.

Oblivious, the Dawsons strutted ahead, radiating smug satisfaction. Vivian turned to Adrian. "What aren't you telling me?"

His lips quirked in that infuriating half-smile. Ethan leaned in, eyes twinkling. "Patience, Mrs. Blackwood. The show's just beginning."