The Day His Demands Broke My Water novel Chapter 18

David raised an eyebrow as he sided with Hannah. "Abigail, Hannah's abilities are no worse than yours. Why can't she run The Wright Group? If you're smart, you'll pack your things and leave. Go back to the hospital and wait for your end."

The audacity of his words almost made me laugh out of anger. What abilities does Hannah have to run a company? Three years ago, her own company was in ruins because of her mismanagement, eventually declaring bankruptcy. When she was at rock bottom, I helped her, pulling her out of the dark and even giving her shares in my company. She lacked the skills to manage anything and nearly ran one of my subsidiaries into the ground. I never told David this, out of respect for Hannah.

I lifted my head and gave a cold, knowing smile to Hannah. "Who says my time is over? I, Abigail, founded The Wright Group. Do you think you can just steal it from me?"

Hannah's expression immediately darkened. Before she could respond, David sneered at me.

"Abigail, so what if you founded The Wright Group? Does that mean we should let the company collapse because of your selfishness? Don't think I'm the only one who disagrees—none of the shareholders will either."

"How about you transfer your shares to me? Consider it compensation for the years I wasted with you."

David shamelessly made his proposal, and Hannah added, "Abigail, I know it must be hard for you to step down, but you're gravely ill. Shouldn't the Wright Group be handed over to someone capable of managing it? What do you think, shareholders?"

Hannah turned her head toward the shareholders, and I could tell she was trying to provoke them, playing on their self-interest.

The shareholders she had bribed stood up one by one, pointing at me as they spoke:

"That's right. You're practically on your deathbed, but The Wright Group needs someone to take charge. We've all seen Ms. Walker's abilities; she's no less capable than you."

"Ms. Wright, you can't let your selfishness ruin all of our interests!"

"We don't have to be afraid. Ms. Walker holds more shares than you now, and if it comes down to it, we can all push her out together."

Jack spoke up, calm and composed, sipping his tea. He was one of the original members of The Wright Group, someone who had been by my side since the beginning, watching it grow.

I had no idea how Hannah managed to buy off the people around me while I was sick in the hospital. She'd turned them all against me, forcing me to step down.

Their betrayal cut deeper than anything else. I could feel the weight of their judgment, the coldness in their eyes.