Husband With Benefits
Chapter 68: Grandfather

Chapter 68: Grandfather

Demetri sat at the head of the polished oak table in the dimly lit boardroom, with Ian, Gabe, and Sebastian sitting waiting for Lucien to arrive. Whatever discussion it was that Demon had called them in for was going to be a major one. They could feel it in their bones.

Demon had been prowling the top floor today and everyone had been jittery in the office building. The last time this had happened, there had been a huge change in the upper management with many being thrown either out of the office or into prison cells for stealing and misusing funds. It was also the time when Demon had just taken over his position.

Ian and Gabe, exchanged curious glances and wondered what this was about while Seb urged Lucien to hurry up. How the boy had the guts to leave the office today when everyone knew Demetri’s mood was beyond them.

Finally, the boy entered and apologized hurriedly," Sorry! I’d gone for a site inspection and it overran..."

Lucien quieted down when all his brothers cast him a glance and quickly took his seat.

D cleared his throat and pushed a set of documents across the table. He met each of his brothers’ eyes with a steely resolve. "I’ve called this meeting today to discuss a pivotal decision for our family and the future of our company. I’ve already discussed with the board, and we’re going to offer another IPO to the public."

Gabe frowned at this as he questioned," Go public again? Why now? As far as I know, we are not lacking working capital. So why the need to dilute our shares?"

"Also, the majority of the board has to agree to this decision. I am sure, Grandfather will not agree."

Demetri nodded and gestured to the files in front of him," It is all of you who need to agree. Each of you holds a percentage of shares while grandfather holds 45%. After him I am the largest shareholder with only 15%. With the other shareholder’s agreement to this proposal, a vote from the four of you will decide whether we offer another IPO or not. The capital will be used for expansion into new horizons for Frost Industries. We are looking into Retail and IT. You will find all the necessary information in the documents. Including how this will affect each of your positions in the future."

Ian pulled the files to him and passed the documents as he sent a considering look Demetri’s way. So, Demetri knew that Grandfather would oppose the IPO as it would dilute the company’s shares. And that it seemed was Demetri’s focus.

The Frost family held about 80% of the total shares, with each of them holding a 5% stake, Demetri at 15% and the rest with their grandfather. At the moment, Demetri had less than fifty percent agreement but if all of them agreed to his proposal that would give him more than the required fifty percent agreement.

While the others opened the file and started to read, Ian sighed," Demon, you are trying to dilute Grandfather’s power."

Demetri did not deny the statement and Ian could only sigh and question," You are asking us to choose sides."

Again, no denial or affirmation but the room seemed to be getting colder with each moment. Seb tried to kick Ian under the table to stop the man from agitating the Demon further, but Ian ignored his younger brother and instead spoke," Demon. We do not need to read these to know that whatever you have proposed is going to be very profitable to us. And you know that we will always stand by you no matter what."

Ian tapered off, wondering if he should say what he wanted to but Gabe beat him to the punch as he continued, "But all of us here know that this specific move is not for expansion of the business. It is a Powerplay pure and simple. You want to show the old man that he has no power. This is personal more than business. And as your brothers, do you not think that we deserve to know the cause of this war that you are fighting with him? And what has happened recently that has escalated it."

Lucien looked at his three older brothers and added in his two cents," Demon, you’ve got our support. We’ll even invest our own funds to ensure we maintain the shares we want. But please...."

Lucien also wanted to know the cause of what was happening but could only taper off as Demon looked at him.

Each of them refused to read the document in front of them and waited for their brother’s answer.

Finally, Demetri sighed and spoke," Whatever you need to know is in front of you. Everything you have said is valid and I thank you for your support. This IPO is not just about diluting his shares; it’s about regaining control and ensuring our company’s future. Other than that, I will not be sharing any additional information. Read the documents and answer me before you leave. Whether you choose to vote in the IPO’s favor or not, does not affect our relationship as brothers."

As Demetri stood and prepared to leave the room, all the brothers exchanged glances once more, their silent communication speaking volumes. Ian spoke for them all, "Demon, we’re with you even though we might have reservations. You’ve earned our trust. We’ll vote in favour of the IPO. Just remember that we’re here for you, no matter what lies ahead. And we hope someday you will share your burdens with us."

Demetri Frost sighed and nodded in gratitude as he looked at his brothers who offered him unconditional support. He knew he could share the reasons for this war with their grandfather, but he did not want to shatter their illusions about their grandfather. At the moment, they had no idea of the extent the old man had gone to and he knew that if they knew, they too would be as hurt as he had been when he first discovered everything. And so, he was going to shield them as long as possible.

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