Josephine was taken aback. She didn't understand a word of the content, but she could read the title of the agreement. It read, "Equity Transfer Agreement."
Puzzled, she looked at Lewis inquiringly.
Derek asked, "Lewis, what do you mean by that? Are you handing over Moss Corporation to a …"
He didn't finish his sentence; Lewis cut him off with a glance. "A what?"
"A mute, of course. Is he for real? Presenting such a large company to a mute like a toy?" This is what he wanted to say, but he couldn't find the courage to finish his sentence.
He couldn't help but suspect that something was wrong with Lewis.
Suppressing his emotions, Derek held back his temper as he asked, "Why are you letting her sign?"
Lewis answered, "Since you have decided to transfer your shares, Moss Corporation has nothing to do with you from here on out. Why does it matter who you're transferring your shares to?"
While Lewis spoke the truth, Moss Corporation had been witness to the blood, sweat, and tears of two generations of the Moss family. It was like their child.
Derek naturally hoped the company would fare better after he let it go and not be treated like a toy, discarded after two plays.
If that was the case, Derek thought it unacceptable. He might as well keep his shares.
Derek said, "Anyway, I disagree with transferring my shares to Josephine. If you insist, let's call off the deal."
Lewis wasn't the least bit mad after hearing this. He smiled and said, "I advise you to think over the consequences of acting on a whim."
Derek was left utterly stunned. It was an undeniable fact. How could he have made the decision to transfer his shares if he hadn't reached a dead end?
Derek struggled internally for a long while. Lewis wasn't in a rush; he waited for Derek to think it through.
After a while, Derek looked at Lewis, his voice fragile as he asked, "Can you promise me that the company will strive in her hands?"
Lewis responded, "Derek, if my aim is to bring down Moss Corporation, there are numerous methods at my disposal that wouldn't necessitate such elaborate measures. Don't you agree?"
Derek kept quiet for several seconds, his face not as dark as before.
He thought along Lewis' point of view and realized allowing Josephine to sign this agreement was the safest option for Lewis.
It was because Josephine was easier to manipulate.
Nothing was to be worried about when Lewis had such a silly, obedient girl by his side.
If there was turbulence within Alvarez Corp, Lewis could always take the shares from Josephine. If they were unfortunate enough and something serious were to happen to Alvarez Corp, Moss Corporation could avert the risk as it was under Josephine's name and serve as a backup plan for Lewis.
It finally dawned on Derek. In that case, it would be more secure for Josephine to sign the agreement instead of Lewis.
After all, at the rate at which Lewis and Kiran were biting each other's throats, no one knew what would happen to Alvarez Corp in the future.
"Alright. I'll trust you in this. Josephine, sign it, quick."
Josephine was hesitant. She glanced at Derek and Lewis.
They were encouraging her to sign the agreement.
Lewis picked up a pen, held her hand, and thrust the pen in her hand. "Sign it."
Josephine couldn't back down. Out of nowhere, she now had a company to her name. Everything seemed like a dream.
She didn't think she could bear the burden of having a company on her shoulders too.
"Don't worry. Just sign it," Lewis said the last few words in a nearly commanding tone.
Josephine's fingers trembled. Withstanding the pain in her palm, she held the pen and signed the agreement.
Lewis watched her slowly inscribe her name, and his lips gradually curled into a smile.
After signing the agreement, everyone heaved sighs of relief.
There were two copies of the agreement. Conrad took one. Now that they had finished signing the agreement, all they had to do was wait for the transfer procedures to be completed.
"Congratulations," said Derek blandly with a faint hint of scorn.
Lewis said, "Congratulations to you too. You can retire earlier and enjoy your life now."
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