The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 704

Hearing Mr. Stapleton Sr.'s name, Penelope had a pretty good idea of what was happening. After hanging up with Michael, she called Mr. Stapleton Sr.

"Since he wishes to resign from all positions at Zenith Group and return his shares to the Stapleton family, I will grant him his wish. Zenith Tech was his creation, but it has been losing money for years. When he was in charge, he could bear the losses. Now that he's not, no one is interested in a losing venture. He can either watch Zenith Tech shut down or buy it out. But before buying it, he must cover the deficit it owes Zenith Group," Mr. Stapleton Sr. said in a strictly business-like tone.

Penelope was exasperated. "Aren't you just forcing him to liquidate all his assets?"

"This is the path he chose. I didn't force him."

"I'll cover the deficit for him."

"That's a matter between you and your husband. It's none of my business."

After careful consideration, Penelope decided not to act immediately. She waited until Theodore had raised the billion dollars and settled the debt. Only then did she approach him about investing in Zenith Tech.

"One billion dollars, for sixty percent of Zenith Tech's shares."

Theodore saw Penelope in her business suit, having formally requested a meeting at Zenith Tech, and noted her negotiating posture. A small smile played on his lips. "There's another option."

"What is it?"

"I sell Zenith Tech to you."

"Huh?"

"For the price of one dollar."

Penelope was momentarily stunned, then her professional instincts kicked in. She asked, "Is Zenith Tech some kind of money pit?"

The kind that could never be filled, no matter how much money was thrown at it?

Theodore narrowed his eyes. "You're willing to invest without knowing anything about the company?"

"Well, I was doing it as a favor to you."

With that, Theodore walked away with a carefree stride.

Penelope slowly realized she had, indeed, been played. Zenith Tech was Theodore's creation, and he couldn't bear to see it fail, so he spent a billion dollars to clear its debts. But he had also said he wanted to live a different kind of life. Taking over Zenith Tech again would be no different from running Zenith Group; he'd be right back where he started. So, he sold it to her.

From now on, she would be the one working herself to the bone for Zenith Tech...

Penelope felt she needed a moment to process, but before she could even leave the office, she was cornered. Department heads swarmed her, all talking at once about their respective situations. Every issue was urgent, every problem needed a solution immediately.

Forced into the company's highest seat of power, she raised a hand, signaling for the managers to calm down.

"Everyone, since I've taken over the company, I promise to give it my all. While I'm not yet familiar with the business, I will get up to speed as quickly as possible. I hope you can all give me some time."

At that, Penelope sighed.

She was well and truly trapped.