Chapter 13
Back in the States, Lydia had inherited her father’s shares and reclaimed those held by Julian, becoming Reed Enterprises’ largest shareholder.
She sat in the chairman’s seat at the board meeting, under attack from predatory shareholders who jeered and insulted her.
“Lydia, why not enjoy your inheritance instead of meddling in company affairs? Your husband just died, and you’ve already hooked up with Winters. Aren’t they giving you enough spending money?”
“Wouldn’t pleasing Blake Winters in bed be easier than breaking your back here? Women shouldn’t be in the spotlight, especially someone with your reputation. It’ll hurt the company.”
“Your father didn’t run the company when he was alive-why are you, a married-off daughter, trying to take over? Just take your dividends and go.”
“Your father was useless, and you’re even worse.”
Since her mother’s death, her father had largely withdrawn from managing the company, only collecting annual dividends. These people now clearly believed the company was theirs.
“Impossible. As the majority shareholder, I have the right to serve as chairperson,” Lydia stated firmly.
“You really don’t listen to reason. You’ll need to learn the hard way.” Director Carlton impatiently clapped his hands, and several suited bodyguards entered.
“Take Miss Reed out for some dinner and relaxation, get some nice photos as souvenirs. If she doesn’t cooperate, slip her some Molly.” Carlton looked at Lydia with malice.
The bodyguards approached Lydia, ignoring her struggles as they pulled her up.
“Don’t push it! Let me go!” she demanded.
“A little girl thinks she can move mountains?” he sneered dismissively.
Just then, the boardroom doors were pushed open again. Blake Winters entered in a black suit, walking with elegant strides. His first action was to pull Lydia protectively into his arms.
“Who says my Lydia can’t move mountains?” Blake coldly eyed Carlton. “Whatever she wants, you’d better give.”
Blake’s commanding presence made Carlton’s spine go cold, causing him to tremble involuntarily.
“Mr. Winters, what brings you here? For a damaged good like her, you’re going to make enemies of all of us?” Carlton tried to sound tough. “The families behind us are all powerful…”
“You can discuss whether to face Winters Industries together or one by one. I’ll wait.” Blake checked Lydia for injuries, relieved to find none.
“From now on, Lydia is Reed Enterprises’ chairperson. Anyone who gives her trouble is making an enemy of me.” Blake produced an appointment document, staring down each shareholder until they signed.
Lydia looked at the man before her, feeling something indescribable in her heart.
Blake helped Lydia into his car. Several times during the ride, she glanced at him, seeming to want to say something.
“Something on your mind?” Blake smiled.
Lydia nodded, looking at him earnestly. “Are you really going to marry me?”
“Definitely. The day you came to me in that wedding dress, you became my wife. When you’re ready, we’ll get the license and have the ceremony.” Blake smiled, half-joking, half-serious.
“Okay.” Lydia wanted to ask him why, but swallowed the question.
Marrying him fulfilled her mother’s dying wish and was her best option now.
Chapter 13
Lost in thought, Lydia barely noticed Blake leaning close to her ear, whispering, “From now on, I’m your support. Everything I have is at your disposal. Whatever you want to do, go for it.”
A tingling sensation shot through her, making Lydia shiver involuntarily.
Just then, the car suddenly braked hard as someone blocked their path.
