Husband With Benefits
Chapter 367: A Setback(2)

Chapter 367: A Setback(2)

Elena’s face contorted with anger, her eyes blazing as she struggled to process the unexpected turn of events. Gabe had actually double crossed them. She verified the papers that Lucien had given her and then the ones that Gabe had signed for her. This paper really was pre-dated! And Gabe had been well aware of what he was doing, even as he pretended to give in to her demands.

The Frost brothers on the other hand, maintained their calm demeanor, unfazed by her anger.

"You think this changes anything?" Elena spat out. "I can still wreak havoc with the stocks in the market. You might have a small stake in Gabe’s shares, but I still have all of that. I might not be able to accomplish anything in the management but I can inflice significant damage."

Demetri leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips. "Ah, but you see, Mrs Winthrope, we are really sorry to disappoint you. Us, outdated people have anticipated your every move. While it’s true that dropping the stocks in the market might cause a temporary dip, but we have more than enough personal liquid funds and contacts to buy them back at the market price. Your attempt to manipulate the stock value won’t hurt us as much as you would like."

"Tsk Tsk. Aunt Elena. I’m really sorry that we are not as vulnerable as you would believed. We can weather the storm you’re trying to create." Seb added with a look so apologetic that one might have actually believed that he was regretful.

Elena shared at the smug faces of the men and then at the people who had come to support her but were now avoiding eye contact with her. She stood up, ready to leave the room, when Ian’s voice broke it," Mrs. Winthrope. I believed the meeting is still ongoing. We have a counteroffer that you might be interested in. Or atleast the others with you might want to see..."

Elena stopped and stared at Ian. And then at those who had vouched to help her. She could already see from their expressions that they’d been cowed by the turn of events and would do anything to escape this situation and not want enmity with these men. Slowly, she sat down, vowing in her heart that she would teach Gabe a lesson for this betrayal. He was going to regret and remember this as the biggest mistake of his life.

Ian nodded with a smile as the woman sat down and continued, "Now, let’s talk about a more sensible resolution. You can save yourself from humiliation and further complications. We propose that you directly sell the stocks to us at the current market price. It’s a fair offer, considering the circumstances and your intentions."

Elena’s anger turned into frustration due to her failure but she was not ready to give up so easily. As long as she had Gabe, she would resort to any means to get what she wanted.

"You think you can dictate terms to me?" she retorted, her eyes narrowing. "I still have leverage, and I won’t let go of it so easily. You might have found a loophole but that does not mean I am willing to let go. Holding onto the stocks is no loss to me."

The words angered all of the Frost brothers, the meaning clear to them. They’d given her a clear out and yet, she wanted to hold on so as to try and cause them trouble in the future.

Finally, Demetri spoke in a measured tone, the underlying threat clear in his voice," Mrs Winthrope, it’s in your best interest to consider our offer. Going down this path will only lead to more losses for you. We’re giving you a way out without causing irreparable damage to your reputation. Why don’t we convene for a break, and we can consider this again?"

Without a word, Elena gathered her papers and walked out of the conference room while the others quickly scurried after her.

Watching the conference room empty so quickly, Seb could onlt rub his hands and grin at Demetri," Dam*! Couldn’t you have told me all this last evening? I spent the entire night sleepless, wondering if I was going to have to leave my office. I just had it refurbished!"

As Ian and Lucien exchange knowing glances, Demetri raised an eyebrow at Seb,"Are you sure that your sleeplessness was because of worry for the office or other nocturnal activities?"

Seb shut his mouth, while Ian and Lucien chuckled before Ian asked," Okay. Who wants to eat what for lunch. Let’s order it and celebrate our little victory."

Lucien, however, was as worried as always," We’ve exposed Gabe’s deception. And we have no way of letting him know. What if she does something unreasonable. After all both Arabelle and Elena are vicious and unpredictable."

Ian sighed and shook his head," Yeah. And so is Gabe. Gosh! I just want this matter to come to an end now. Gabe needs a break. Heck. All of us do."

Demetri sighed as well," It will be over this time. Gabe has already made his decision. But the consequences of this coming to an end might be what we are not prepared for..."

"Anything would be better than this stalemate¹ position" Seb muttered as he leaned down his head on the table. He’d been on the tneterhooks since last night and now was ready to crash on the table itself. A cat-nap would help him a long way...

Just as he was about to fall asleep, he heard his phone go off and groaned as he pulled it out of his pocket. Who could be calling him on his personal number at this hour?

"Hello?"

"Seb! Its me."

"Gabe. How are you? Where are you? What is go..."

"Seb! Listen to me. Trace this phone number. And get to my location. Nora is in danger."

"Nora?"

As Seb listened in alarm, the phone was disconnected. The sharpness in Seb’s tone had already caught Demetri’s attention as he quickly brought out his own phone to call Nora.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺

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