CHAPTER 6

The next morning at the Kent Mansion, the entire family had gathered hoping that Grandma Grace Kent had already made a decision. The sale of the company’s shares was bound to make some family members angry but there was no other option to revive the company.

They were especially hoping that whoever bought the shares would be willing to sell them back to the family once they had recovered to their previous financial position.

Just as the meeting was about to begin, the family butler rushed in to make an announcement, “There is a very disguished gentleman here to make a bid on the company. He wishes to make the offer directly to the main shareholder. He will not speak to any other person.”

The entire family was shocked as they did not know who would dare to come and make any such requests especially in their family mansion.

“Just let him in. After all, he may be here to provide a better proposal to the family.”

The butler then left in a hurry to welcome the distinguished guest.

A few minutes later, a very handsome young man walked. His chiseled pop idol almost made all the women present to swoon. He was too handsome.

Without wasting any time he made his address, “Grandma Grace Kent, my name is Michael James. I am a lawyer representing Hastings Limited, a small company under the York Enterprises umbrella. I have been sent by my superiors to make an offer on the company. My master is willing to purchase a controlling stake in the company. For fifty one percent of the shares, he is willing to offer 300 million. This offer is only valid for an hour. Any subsequent negotiations once the one hour is up will be at the market price of the shares which is marginally lower. Thank you for your consideration.”

The entire family was flabbergasted. The Hastings Limited owner was not serious. Did he seriously expect that they would simply let go of their family legacy and hand it over to a total stranger?

Even though the offer would be very profitable for the family, unlike all the other offers which were actually below market value, selling a controlling interest in the business would put them at the mercy of another person. They would have little to no influence on any decisions.

“This offer insults us so we will not be giving not be accepting it at the moment. If anything changes we will be contact you.” Grandma Kent answered in a dismissive tone towards Michael.

He only looked at them and answered, “I will be waiting in my car outside in case you change your mind.” He then walked out slowly without looking back.

“He is very disrespectful to think that we would even consider his offer. Are there any other new offers that have been made?”

“No, Master James.” The butler answered.

This was very distressing news for the family.

Almost an hour later, the butler came back to the family meeting with distressing news, “I have very bad news. Thirty minutes ago, the best offer was at a hundred and fifty million dollars but suddenly, all the bids that had been made have been withdrawn. None of the bidders has given a reason but it appears that someone is trying to suppress this sale. The only remaining bid is the one made by Hastings Limited.”

This news sent shockwaves to all the family members present.

Was this the end for the family business?

How could this be happening when they had done everything right? They did not deserve this.

In a frustrated tone, Grandma Kent asked the butler to call back Mr. Michael from Hastings Limited.

The three hundred million would certainly be better than bankruptcy. They would at least earn a tidy profit this way even if in future the company went under.

If the company was under different management, York Enterprises might decide to be slightly lenient on them and resume the previous arrangement or even enter into a better more beneficial agreement.

In the future they could even buy back the company from Hastings Limited once everything was smooth sailing.

Michael soon stood in front of the family ready to listen.

“We have considered your offer and have decided to accept it. You can talk to the current director my grandson James on how we can receive the three hundred million.” Grandma Kent answered in a plain voice devoid of any emotion in order to reveal any hidden agenda.

“Am sorry Madam Kent but the previous offer was only valid for an hour. It’s already been over one and a half hours meaning that the sale can only be carried out market price which is two hundred and five million.”

The already distressed Grandma Kent was not willing to let the profit go as it would be signal that she could not manage the family business properly.

“And may I ask who the buyer is so that we can negotiate as fellow businessmen. After all, we might come to a more mutually beneficial agreement.” Grandma Kent asked as she tried to find a way to get back the millions.

“Am sorry but I am not at liberty to disclose the identity of my superiors unless they wish to reveal their identity themselves. Any inquiries into the identity of my superior could lead to problems for you and your family. I would advise against looking any further. The condition for the ninety million profit was only valid for a short while so you have to agree to the current agreement in order to save your business. This may be your chance to even make a bigger comeback or fall further. The decision is all yours.”

The entire family could not believe that due to their flippant attitude, they had just lost over ninety million in the hour.

The whole family was now feeling depressed.

“If there are no more qualms, kindly sign this contract to seal the deal. Once the contract is in effect, my superiors will be in contact to take over the company. For now you will hold your current positions until further notice. The new owners may make new changes to the business but hopefully this will not affect your current positions. Good luck.”

Once the contract had been signed by Grandma Kent, Michael left in haste hoping that the family would not begin raising issues that he had no answers to.