The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 156

156 The Final Checkmate

Hazel’s POV 1

“Forty million.” Aunt Tanya’s voice was firm as she named her price. “Considering the company’s current situation, I think that’s more than generous.”

I almost laughed out loud. She really thought I’d give away my shares for a fraction of their worth.

“Aunt Tanya,” I sighed, allowing a hint of desperation to color my tone. “I’ve put everything into this company. Sixty million is the absolute minimum I can accept.” She scoffed. “That’s ridiculous. The company isn’t worth that much.”

“But it will be,” I countered. “The summer collection is already generating buzz. Pre-orders have tripled compared to last year.”

Silence stretched between us. I knew she was weighing her options, calculating whether my shares were worth the price.

“Besides,” I added, my voice cracking just enough, “I’m drowning in debt after investing in the new production line. The stress is killing me.”

Another strategic pause before I continued. “You and Uncle Harold would be doing me a huge favor. I just need enough to clear my debts and start fresh.”

I could practically hear her mind working. Tanya had always been susceptible to two things: status and being seen as powerful. Time to play those cards.

“Just imagine,” I said softly, “you’d be the primary shareholder. The company would essentially be yours to control.” I twisted the knife deeper. “Everyone in our social circle would see you as the woman who rescued the family business.”

Her breathing quickened. “And Harold would have no say in management decisions?”

“None whatsoever,” I confirmed. “You’d be the one calling the shots. The prestigious Shaw name would be under your direction.”

dx

“Sixty million is still too much,” she argued, but her resistance was weakening.

I sighed dramatically. “I understand if it’s beyond your means. Perhaps I should

approach some industry competitors instead. They’ve been circling for months.”

“No!” The panic in her voice was unmistakable. “Keep it in the family. I just need time to arrange the funds.”

“Of course,” I said smoothly. “We could meet tomorrow morning to finalize everything. The Ocean Trade office has a conference room we could use.”

She agreed quickly, probably afraid I’d change my mind. After setting the time, I hung up and smiled to myself. The fish had taken the bait.

That night, I slept better than I had in months. By tomorrow afternoon, I would be free of the last chains binding me to my past.

Morning arrived bright and clear. I dressed carefully in a charcoal gray power suit that made me look both professional and formidable. My hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, makeup subtle but flawless. Today marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

When I arrived at Ocean Trade’s offices, Aunt Tanya and Uncle Harold were already waiting in the lobby. She wore an ostentatious gold necklace that screamed new money, while he looked uncomfortable in a suit that had grown tight around his

middle.

“Good morning,” I greeted them pleasantly. “The lawyers are already upstairs with the paperwork.”

Tanya nodded stiffly. “Let’s get this over with.”

The elevator ride was silent, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. When we entered the conference room, four other major shareholders were already seated around the table. I had invited them as witnesses to make the transfer official and

binding.

“Thank you all for coming,” I said, taking my place at the head of the table. “As I mentioned in my email, we’re here to formalize the transfer of my shares to Mrs. Tanya

Turner.”

The company lawyer slid the paperwork across the table. “Everything is in order. Once signed and the payment is confirmed, the transfer will be complete.”

Uncle Harold leaned forward, squinting at the fine print. “Sixty million seems excessive

156 The Final Checkmate

for a 45% stake.”

“The company valuation was done independently,” I reminded him. “The shares are actually worth closer to seventy million, so you’re getting quite a deal.”

Tanya quickly jumped in. “We’ve agreed on the price, Harold. Let’s not waste time haggling.”

I hid my smile. She was afraid I might back out if they pushed too hard.

Uncle Harold grumbled but fell silent. The lawyer guided us through the paperwork, explaining each clause in detail. I signed where indicated, my signature confident and

bold.

When it was Tanya’s turn, her pen hovered briefly over the document. For a moment, I thought she might reconsider. Then, with a flourish, she signed her name.

“The payment confirmation, please,” the lawyer requested.

Tanya nodded to Uncle Harold, who pulled out his phone and completed the bank transfer. My phone pinged seconds later with the notification. Sixty million dollars. I checked the details carefully before nodding to the lawyer.

“The transfer is complete,” he announced. “Mrs. Turner is now the majority shareholder of Shaw Designs.”

Tanya’s face transformed, smug satisfaction settling over her features. “Well, I suppose congratulations are in order.”

“Yes, congratulations,” I agreed, standing up and collecting my copy of the agreement. “The company is now officially your problem.”

Her smile faltered. “What do you mean, ‘problem’?”

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