She Wants His Money, I Own the Company

Chapter 5

Three days later, a lawyer arrived at the door with the paperwork. Samuel sat across from me, watching as I signed my name, stroke by stroke.

"Sully," he said suddenly after I finished signing, "actually I've always—"

"President Pearson," I interrupted him. "Our official business is done; I still have work to finish on my draft."

The rest of his words caught in his throat, and eventually dissolved into a sigh.

As he stood to leave, he glanced at the family photo on the wall.

It was taken five years ago: my parents, Larry, Samuel, and me—five people smiling without a care in the world.

"Sully," he said softly, "if only we could go back to—"

"We can't." I packed the files away, not looking at him.

The door closed.

I stood in the middle of the living room, staring at the equity transfer agreement.

Right there in black and white: Samuel Pearson shall transfer twenty percent of Discovery Technology's shares to Sully Jackman.

Adding the 30% my mother already held would be enough.

My phone vibrated. Kevin sent me a message: Everything is ready. The videos and documents have been encrypted and uploaded. We can sync them to the venue's big screen at any time.

I texted back: Wait for my signal.

On the day of Discovery's 10th anniversary celebration, the weather was unusually hot. The city's most luxurious hotel banquet hall was rented out in full, and a red carpet stretched all the way from the entrance to the stage. Media reporters had their cameras at the ready, and flashbulbs flickered one after another.

And of course, Nora was there too.

As an "outstanding employee representative," she wore a champagne-colored evening gown, stood next to Samuel, and made polite small talk with the guests with a gracious smile.

When she saw me, she froze for a second, then quickly put her smile back on. "Sully, you're so simply dressed today."

"No one can compete with how stunning you look tonight, dear," I said softly. "This gown suits you perfectly."

She clearly did not catch the sarcasm in my words, and tossed her hair proudly.

The celebration began. The lights dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight shining on the stage.

Samuel took the stage to give his address. In a custom-tailored suit, he stood under the spotlight, looking elegant and charming. "Good evening, distinguished guests and friends."

Thunderous applause broke out.

"Ten years ago, with nothing but a dream and 20,000 bucks, I started the entrepreneurial journey of Discovery Technology..."

I sat in the front row, listening as he told the sanitized, prettified version of how the company started.

He left out the funding from the Jackman family, left out my father's connections, left out all the discreditable parts of his humble beginnings.

The carefully produced promotional video played on the big screen. The montage cut between quick clips of Samuel working overtime late at night, shaking hands with clients, and candid shots of him at charity events. It finally froze on the eight characters: "Grateful for Ten Years, Stay True to Our Mission".

Another round of applause erupted through the venue.

"Today, we officially launch the 'Dreamcatcher' Scholarship Program." Samuel's voice rang out full of passion. "I deeply understand how education can change a person's fate, because I myself am a beneficiary of this..."

I tightened my grip on the remote control in my hand.

The moment was ripe.

"And now, please welcome my wife Sully Jackman to the stage."

A spotlight suddenly fell on me.

Samuel stood on stage, smiling and holding out his hand to me, the very picture of a loving husband.

I stood up and walked slowly up to the stage.

When I took the microphone, our hands brushed briefly.

His palm was completely soaked with sweat.

"Thank you, President Pearson," I spoke into the microphone, my voice clear and steady. "And thank you all for coming today to witness Discovery's 10th anniversary."

The audience fell quiet.

"President Pearson just told us many moving stories, but there are some details I'd like to add."

The color drained from his face. He leaned in close to me, his voice low: "Sully, don't do anything reckless—"

I stepped back, putting distance between us.

"Ten years ago, the 20,000-dollar startup capital for President Pearson's business was the savings amassed by my mother, Ms. Sofia Lambert," I turned to face the audience. "Back then, he signed a share contract, promising to grant my mother 30% of the company's shares."

Whispers began to ripple through the crowd.

Samuel tried to snatch the microphone, but I was prepared and dodged to the side.

"This contract here," I lifted the copy of the document in my hand, "is legally binding. And just three days ago, Samuel transferred an additional 20% of the company's shares to me, which means I now hold 50% of Discovery Technology's total shares, making me the company's largest shareholder."