Strings

Chapter 28

Avery's shares will not be sold. This is absolutely non-negotiable. She will continue being a shareholder and will also take a seat in The Board of Directors for Marshall & Co.; is this absolutely clear?" Hayden asks, looking from Mr. Carter, to Olivia, to my dad.

Dad nods quietly, looking defeated as Olivia makes another attempt of protest but sits back down upon receiving Hayden's icy glare at her. 

"Words, Mr. Marshall; use your words." Hayden says, his voice devoid of patience.

"Yes, it is clear."

"Very well. Now as it occurs, shares have to be sold regardless; since that is the only way for your company to get their hands on the immediate bonds and cash that you require to pay off the English mob.

So without any further delay or protests in this matter, it is agreed that it would be Miss Olivia Marshall's shares that will be sold, yes?"

"But-" Olivia attempts again and I feel embarrassed for her part. She was behaving like a child.

"Yes?" Hayden repeats, his voice so dangerous and lethal that even I end up looking at him.

"Yes." father says feebly as Olivia throws her hands in the air, shooting icy glares at me. What is she glaring at me for?  This is her doing entirely.

"Perfect. Then you may all sign the first page of the contract." Sam says gaily as I slide the files across the table.

Dad and Mr. Carter have the good sense to do so obediently as Olivia protests but resigns to putting her signature down as well. Her tantrums may have stood up with dad but Hayden wont tolerate it for a second.

"That settles the matter, does it not?" Hayden says smiling, a smile so very dangerous and cold, a shiver runs down the bottom of my spine.

Boy, am I glad to not be the one receiving that.

"Mr. Knight, I wish you would've heard us out. The talk of selling Avery's shares had been going around already; now to take back the prospect and put Olivia's shares on sale would put off all the potential buyers. It shows lack of co-ordination and communication on our part even though currently both of them have equal stakes at the company." Dad says exasperatedly.

"We can't afford a delay in the sale of the shares, The Fawkes wouldn't do so kindly for waiting any further than necessary for the demanded bonds." Mr. Carter adds, although why they're trying I have no idea. They have all already signed the papers.

"Ah, do not concern yourself in with this matter. We already have a very eager buyer ready to buy out Olivia's shares." Sam replies, his voice eager and impatient.

"Already? Before consulting us? Who is it?" Dad asks eagerly, clearly surprised and yet looking almost relieved.

Hayden looks at me; squeezes my hand. It took me by surprise but I welcome it anyways. Olivia glaring at the gesture, and Sam just smirks.

"Why, the Knight Enterprises of course; we are more than able and ready to buy out Miss Marshall's share here."

.

Waves of silence fill the room as Mr. Carter and my dad exchange glances while Olivia's jaw quite literally falls on the floor.

"If you can buy out my shares, Mr. Knight; then why can't you just pay off the Fawkes yourselves? Didn't you say it yourself that you are more than able and ready?" Olivia all but whines.

Hayden doesn't respond to her, only raises an eyebrow, questioning her audacity, to which she throws a really creepy and weird smile at. Seriously though, what is wrong with her?