Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1044

The accusation hung heavy in the air. The moderator’s face went pale as he glanced desperately at Tyler, silently begging for help.

Tyler was just about to step in, ready to smooth things over, when Emmy let out a soft laugh. “Alright, if everyone’s so busy, let’s skip the small talk and get right to it.” She turned toward James with a steady, almost amused look. “Mr. Nelson, please go ahead.”

With her cool confidence, Emmy made Tyler and the moderator seem small and fidgety. James looked at her, then said nothing. Instead, he picked up a document and laid it flat on the table.

“This is Jamie’s death certificate.”

A wave of shock rippled through the room. All eyes locked on the paper. Even though everyone had guessed this would happen, seeing the proof out in the open hit harder than any rumor ever could.

James stood, hands pressed against the table, his presence so intense no one dared look him in the eye. “I don’t think I need to remind anyone who I am. I just want the board to handle this fairly and follow Mrs. Nelson’s will. Jamie’s shares should be reclaimed by the company.”

He turned his head slightly, meeting Cadence’s gaze. “Cadence, since you’re the official representative for my grandmother, please proceed.”

Cadence stood up, frowning. She seemed a little weary as she lifted a document for everyone to see. “This is the rule set by Mrs. Nelson herself. Tyler and Jamie, both fourth-generation heirs of Nelson Corporation, have always been treated equally when it comes to their shares. They rise and fall together. Now that Jamie’s passing is confirmed, the board does have to start the process of reclaiming those shares.”

She paused, letting her eyes pass over everyone at the table. “This doesn’t just mean reclaiming Jamie’s shares. It also means reclaiming Tyler’s.”

Tyler’s hand tightened into a fist, his knuckles turning white.

“But,” Cadence continued, her tone shifting, “considering everything Tyler and James have done for Nelson Corporation over the years, the final decision still comes down to a board vote.”

“Now, those in favor, please raise your hands.”

This was the vote for anyone who wanted both sets of shares reclaimed and the board completely reset.

Emmy didn’t hesitate. Her hand went up right away. James lifted his hand too. Mr. Nelson glanced at Martha, and after a brief exchange, they both raised their hands.

Cadence counted again. “Including Mr. Lincoln’s two extra votes… that’s twelve in total.”

Fifteen to twelve. The result was clear.