Avery added, trying to lure Jacqueline into the trap, "We're in hot waters. Mom is missing, and Henley's family is watching us. They've never liked how Grandpa favored us.
"They consider Dad's company one of Grandpa's assets, so they began to purchase some shares here and there before Grandpa passed on. Before, we didn't have anything to worry about. Those shares wouldn't pose a threat, but Grandpa is dead now."
Jacqueline's expression changed. "Is it bad?"
"Yes, it's bad. The shares they bought and Grandpa's shares have surpassed the amount of shares Dad has." He sighed.
"It's because Dad loves us so much. He gave us a portion of the shares. No one expected Grandpa to pass away, and Henley's family is causing trouble now. The amount of shares Dad has can't be compared to them.
"They can become the rightful owner of the company. Even if we take this to the court, we're bound to lose the case."
"What should we do?"
Jacqueline had long set her eyes on this company. If she weren't one step away from getting it, she would've escaped by now. There was no need to bear the risk of lying to Avery.
"We still have one way to stop them. That's to return all our shares to Dad."
In other words, Jacqueline had to return her 3% share to David.
Despite the small percentage of shares, the annual dividend she earned could go up to millions.
"Will that do?"
He answered, "No. Henley's family has come prepared. They won't give us any time to spare. The number of shares they bought in secret is beyond our expectations. In addition to Grandpa's 20% share, they'll still be the rightful owner of the company.
A huge sum of initial investment was needed for this kind of project. That was why it was normal to not be able to cough up two billion dollars in a short period of time.
Jacqueline believed in Avery's words without a shadow of a doubt.
He sighed in defeat. "I thought of many ways to gather one billion dollars, but… Some of my friends know what's happening to our family, so they're reluctant to lend me money. Things were so different in the past. They simply don't want to get themselves involved in trouble."
He continued helplessly, "I've done my best, Jacqueline. Considering how bad my health is, I know I don't have much time left. Troy is seriously injured too. I can't put my hopes on Sean and Vox either.
"You're the only one we can depend on in this family. You're our only hope. I really wish to protect the company, even if it means to give you the company. At least, Dad's effort won't go down the drain. But…"
"Don't worry, Avery. I'll think of something to get that one billion dollars."
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