Reclaimed By Love

Six

Everyone in the room was stunned. They hadn't expected Ellie to bring in Alex Ramsey himself.

Alex Ramsey, the man who could single-handedly resurrect a dying company. The man whose influence in the market was absolute.

The same man who now stood before them, radiating power and authority, defending the woman they had just mocked.

The directors and shareholders shifted uncomfortably, their smiles strained.

"Mr. Ramsey," one of them began, "what brings you to Sterling Enterprises?"

"You?" Alex's gaze swept over them, cold and sharp. "Are you so sure Sterling Enterprises belongs to you?"

"Well, we… we all have shares…"

"Indeed. And Ms. Vance here seems to hold more shares than any of you. Why isn't she allowed inside?" Alex's voice was laced with steel.

"Well, Ms. Vance… she doesn't understand business. Even if she attends the meeting, it wouldn't be productive—"

Alex cut him off, his voice like ice. "In my opinion, it's you who don't understand business. Perhaps you should all resign from Sterling, effective immediately."

"Mr. Ramsey, that's uncalled for. This is between us and Ms. Vance. You have no stake in this company, no shares. You're not qualified to interfere." One of the shareholders bristled, his voice laced with indignation.

Alex smirked. "I'm afraid you're mistaken. I recently acquired a rather substantial number of shares. In fact, I now hold slightly more than each of you. Does that qualify me to participate in this shareholders' meeting? And if not, perhaps the combined shares of Ms. Vance and myself will suffice?"

A collective gasp filled the room.

How was this possible?

Alex Ramsey owning a controlling stake in Sterling? It was unthinkable.

He must be bluffing.

"Mr. Ramsey, you can't fool us!"

"Show them," Alex said to his assistant.

The assistant produced a document, the evidence irrefutable.

Alex, his arm around Ellie's waist, led her towards the building, his entourage parting the way.

"Where's the conference room?" he asked Ellie.

Ellie, her chin lifted, pointed the way. The shareholders and directors trailed behind them, their faces pale, their confidence shaken.

If Alex Ramsey was involved, they were in serious trouble.

Inside the conference room, the interim CEO, Richard Harding, sat at the head of the table.

He stared in disbelief as Ellie and Alex entered.

"Mr. Harding," Ellie said, her voice firm, "please step aside."

She knew she had to be strong, to project confidence. If she wanted to lead this company, she couldn't afford to show weakness.

"Ellie, what's the meaning of this? Have you lost your mind?" Richard Harding forced a laugh, trying to regain control.

"Mr. Harding, this is the company my parents built. Why shouldn't I be here? Are you planning to take it for yourself?" Ellie's voice was sharp, her gaze unwavering.

Richard Harding's smile faltered. "Of course not…"

Everyone was present, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

Alex's presence had a sobering effect. No one dared to utter a word out of line, their earlier bravado replaced with a healthy dose of fear. Alex Ramsey had the power to crush Sterling Enterprises with a snap of his fingers, and no one was foolish enough to cross him.

Richard Harding, recognizing the shift in power, wisely relinquished his seat.

"Sit down," Alex gestured towards the head of the table.

Ellie hesitated, instinctively wanting to offer the seat to Alex. But she quickly understood his intent. He wanted her to be seen as the one in charge.

She sat down, her back straight, her chin lifted.

"I'll be speaking on Ms. Vance's behalf," Alex announced, his hands resting on the edge of the table, his gaze sweeping over the room.

"On what grounds, Mr. Ramsey?" someone challenged.

"We don't welcome your interference here."

"Welcome or not, I'm a major shareholder now. You have no authority to dismiss me." Alex's eyes glinted, his voice laced with steel. The air crackled with his power, silencing any further objections.

"Let's start with a little… entertainment." Alex nodded to his assistant.

Several assistants in sharp suits distributed folders to everyone present.

As the shareholders and directors opened them, their faces paled.

"You… this is blackmail!"

"Mr. Ramsey, you've crossed a line!"

"You've been spying on us!"

They rose to their feet, their voices filled with outrage.

"Consider this a demonstration," Alex said coldly. "I have all your secrets now. Stay or leave, the choice is yours."

The shareholders and directors slowly sank back into their chairs, their faces grim.

Their carefully hidden indiscretions—mistresses, illegitimate children, shady business dealings—were laid bare. They couldn't expose Alex without exposing themselves.

Alex had effectively silenced them with a single move.

"Now, let's discuss the future of Sterling Enterprises." His voice was devoid of emotion. "Ms. Vance will be taking over as chairman. Any objections?"

"Do we have a choice? You've already won." One of the directors muttered resentfully.

"Then I'll take that as a no. I expect your full cooperation. Until Ms. Vance is ready to lead this company on her own, I'll be overseeing things personally. Any issues, you can come to either of us. Here's my card." He paused, his lips curving into a chilling smile. "Oh, and one more thing. Ms. Vance will be my apprentice. I trust you won't question her qualifications now?"

Ellie, Alex Ramsey's apprentice.

The implications were clear. In the business world, Alex Ramsey was a force to be reckoned with. No one could compete with him, with Ramsey Industries.

To defy Alex was to destroy your own career.

The shareholders and directors, despite their resentment, had no choice but to accept the new reality. They were trapped, their secrets exposed, their power neutralized.

Ellie's qualifications? Irrelevant. She was Alex Ramsey's protégé. That was all that mattered.

They seethed with resentment, but they couldn't change a thing.