Chapter 5

After a while, Sophie eventually opened the car door and stepped out of the car after a change of clothes. Her flawless makeup also masked up her slightly puffy eyes.

Sophie hurriedly walked toward the company after locking her car. She asked Linda, “How much equity do the shareholders who want to withdraw their capital hold in the company?”

“About ten percent.”

Sophie, who was walking swiftly in her high heels, hesitated for a moment. A ten percent redemption of those equity shares would result in the loss of Luxford Group's liquidity. Luxford Group’s stock price would also take a significant hit if she failed to redeem those equity shares, and those stockholders were permitted to cause trouble in the secondary market.

“I’ll take care of this. Find out the cause.”

“Understood.”

“Hold on. Check carefully to make sure that Cedric Carlson isn’t behind this.”

Her grave expression suddenly showed a hint of annoyance. Given how abruptly this incident occurred, there was obviously someone behind it. Cedric was the person who was most dissatisfied with her and Luxford Group.

“I got it.” Linda nodded. She was a little bewildered, but she still hurried out of there.

Sophie put her hand on the conference room door handle, took a long breath, and then quietly opened the door and entered.

“Miss Sophie, we thought you weren’t coming anymore.”

“Why wouldn’t I come? You have all been shareholders of Luxford Group for so many years now, so friendship exists even in the absence of business.”

Sophie approached the main seat, smiled slightly, and asked, “I just want to ask—why are all of you looking to divest your capital?”

“Sophie, we own the equity, so we can cash it out anytime we want. Our request wouldn't count as excessive even if your father was here.”

A shareholder who was about the same age as Sophie’s father, Daniel Luxford, spoke up with a smile, but his eyes conveyed contempt.

Would there be a future for Luxford Group if this girl was in charge of it?

“While it’s not excessive, it’s a little overboard if all of you decide to divest your capital at the same time. Luxford Group has never treated any of you unfairly over all these years.” Sophie’s expression became serious as she said this. Although Luxford Group had outlived its prime, it would still have a bright future as long as it could make it past the current transformation period.

“Sophie, what is with this attitude of yours? We are already showing Daniel respect by giving you an opportunity to get back your equity. We will search for another buyer to acquire our shares if you’re unsure about what’s best for you.”

Sophie frowned even harder when she heard his threat. Luxford Group’s equity had been diluted layer by layer, and she no longer held a significant portion of equity anymore. She would lose control of Luxford Group immediately if this ten percent was acquired by a major shareholder.

Ring, ring, ring.

Suddenly, Sophie’s cell phone rang. After being surprised for a few seconds, she glanced at the caller ID and answered the call.

“How’s everything going? Do you like my gift?” Cedric’s harsh voice could be heard over the phone. Sophie clenched her fists as her eyes glowed with anger. As expected, he was the culprit!

She did not expect that he was still at it—she thought that his humiliation of her yesterday was enough.

“What exactly do you want?” She tightened her grip on her cell phone. He must have seen Luxford Group’s financial structure. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have done just enough to leave her with no other options on both ends.

“Oh, Mrs. Carlson, why do you sound so upset? There are more surprises in store for you; this is just the beginning.” His mesmerizing voice sounded again. Sophie clenched her teeth and hung up the phone. The shareholder who had just been arguing with her was already showing signs of impatience.

“Miss Sophie, don’t say that we are ruthless. You have three days to repurchase our equity. If not, you'll need to find alternative ways to get the equity back at that point.”

The man taking the lead walked out of the conference room with his hands behind his back, and the other shareholders followed suit. The conference room went silent for a moment after the ruckus earlier.

“We don’t have that much liquidity, Miss Sophie.”

Sophie raised her head in exasperation once Linda had finished speaking and stated, “I'll deal with the money.”