Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 91 - Chapitre 100

Alexander's POVThursday morning Diana called with news that made my blood run cold."Victor Walter just initiated a massive stock purchasing campaign targeting Thompson Enterprises minority shareholders." Her voice was urgent. "He's offering thirty percent above market value with immediate cash payment.""How much stock is he targeting?" I pulled up my laptop while Lily watched with concern from across my office."Every minority shareholder position we can identify. About fifteen percent of outstanding shares if everyone accepts." Diana sent through documentation. "Alexander, at these prices he'll burn through two hundred million in days.""He's not worried about the cost because he knows time is running out." I studied Victor's offer documents. "Diana, have any shareholders accepted yet?""Three so far representing about two percent of shares. But Alexander, he's packaging this with media releases about Thompson Enterprises being in crisis." She sent through news articles. "Bloomber

Alexander's POVAfter the board meeting I pulled Lily into my office because there was one defensive strategy we hadn't discussed yet."We need to talk about the white knight option." I closed the door and pulled up financial models. "It's a classic defense against hostile takeover but it has implications you need to understand.""White knight?" Lily sat across from my desk looking exhausted but alert. "I've heard the term but don't know exactly what it means.""We bring in a friendly investor who buys significant equity stake in Thompson Enterprises." I showed her the framework. "Someone who would vote with us against Victor and protect the company from hostile acquisition.""So we voluntarily sell part of the company to stop Victor from taking it forcibly." Lily understood immediately. "But wouldn't that dilute my control?""Yes. Depending on how much equity we offer, you'd go from sole controlling shareholder to shared control with the white knight investor." I pulled up scenarios.

Lily's POVMonday morning William Chen arrived at Thompson Enterprises and I immediately understood why Alexander trusted him.He was in his sixties with gray hair and sharp eyes that assessed everything without being intimidating."Miss Rose, thank you for meeting with me." William shook my hand with warmth. "Alexander has told me impressive things about how you've handled an impossible situation.""Thank you. Though I think Alexander's been generous in his assessment." I led him to the conference room where we'd prepared presentation materials. "I've mostly been learning as fast as possible while trying not to destroy anything.""That's exactly what good leadership looks like in crisis." William sat down and smiled. "Lily, may I call you Lily?""Of course." I settled across from him feeling nervous despite his kindness."Alexander sent me your recovery plan and coalition strategy over the weekend." William pulled out his tablet with notes. "I'm impressed by the sophistication of you

Lily's POVThursday morning we held a press conference to announce William's strategic investment in Thompson Enterprises.I stood at the podium with Alexander on one side and William on the other feeling more confident than I had since inheriting."Thompson Enterprises is pleased to announce a two hundred fifty million dollar investment from Chen Global Investments." I read from prepared remarks. "This partnership strengthens our financial position and demonstrates confidence in our recovery strategy."Reporters shouted questions immediately."Miss Rose, does this mean Victor Walter's takeover attempt has failed?""Victor never had a realistic path to control." I kept my voice steady. "With William's twenty percent stake combined with existing shareholders who support current leadership, we have strong majority backing.""Mr. Thompson, what's your role going forward with this new investor?"Alexander stepped to the microphone. "I'll continue as President working with Lily and William

Lily's POVI woke up in Alexander's arms and for a perfect moment before reality hit I felt completely happy.His chest was warm against my back and his arm was wrapped around me protectively.Morning light came through his bedroom windows and I could hear Miami traffic starting outside.For this one moment everything was simple.I was just a woman who'd fallen in love and spent the night with the man she loved.Then reality crashed in with all its complications.We were CEO and President of the same company.We were technically family even if the genetic connection was distant.The media would have an absolute field day when they found out.The board would probably have opinions about us being together."I can hear you thinking." Alexander's voice was rough with sleep behind me. "What's wrong?""Nothing's wrong." I turned to face him. "I'm just realizing how complicated this is going to be.""We knew it would be complicated." He pulled me closer. "Are you regretting last night?""No.