Chapter 420

The room buzzed with doubtful murmurs as Vivian Hartley stood before them. To these seasoned executives, she was just a twenty-something newlywed who'd never held a real job. What business acumen could a sheltered housewife possibly possess?

Yet with Adrian Blackwood's imposing presence beside her, they swallowed their skepticism. Their eyes darted between Vivian and Mr. Montoya, who watched the proceedings with an unreadable smile that never wavered.

Richard Dawson and Daphne Fairchild exchanged puzzled glances. What game was Mr. Montoya playing? Vivian caught his expression too.

That subtle encouragement ignited Vivian's resolve. She straightened her spine, crossing her ankles with deliberate grace. "Dawson Enterprises' legacy proves our collective strength. Moving forward requires that same unity." Her manicured finger tapped the conference table. "Substantial contributors will receive equity shares. We've purged the deadwood - now's our moment to rebuild."

Her voice remained velvet soft, yet carried steel beneath. The room stilled, executives leaning forward despite themselves.

Richard's face purpled with rage. "Mr. Montoya holds controlling interest now! Who authorized you to make decisions?"

Vivian's emerald eyes turned glacial. "You liquidated your stake, Father. This discussion exceeds your... diminished capacity." Her lips curled. "Frankly, your presence here is charitable."

Richard's hand twitched upward - until Adrian's lethal glare froze him mid-motion. The older man deflated like a punctured balloon.

Turning to Mr. Montoya, Richard forced a conciliatory tone. "Sir, these shares represent significant liabilities. I'd hate to see you inherit such complications."

Vivian's laugh was sharp as shattered crystal. "How noble of you to offload toxic assets onto others." She tilted her head. "Unless you'd prefer to reclaim them? The SEC penalties do make fascinating reading."

"You insolent—"

Mr. Montoya finally intervened, producing a leather-bound dossier. "My expertise lies elsewhere. These shares will be transferred to Ms. Hartley immediately." He slid documents across the mahogany surface. "My role concludes upon her signature."

Vivian's gaze found Adrian's. His subtle nod confirmed everything - this had been their plan all along.

Richard's chair screeched across marble as he surged upright. "This is treachery!" Spittle flew from his lips. "You conspired with them!"

Mr. Montoya's genial mask slipped. "I purchased assets. Their disposition is my prerogative." His smile turned knife-sharp. "Unless you'd care to reacquire them? At current market valuation, of course."

The air crackled with tension as Vivian accepted the fountain pen Adrian offered. The nib hovered above parchment as every executive held their breath.

Richard's voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "You'll regret this, daughter."

Vivian's signature flowed across the page in elegant loops. "No, Father." She met his glare unflinching. "That privilege belongs solely to you."