Chapter 47
This matter was simply impossible. I was only considering it because Derald mentioned it in passing. Even if he forced my head down and tied me into a marriage, I still wouldn't agree. After so many years, I had already fulfilled my obligations as agreed for my sister's sake. Bringing up additional terms now seemed a bit late.
Seeing how firmly I was rehoding—presumably, the intended word is "holding"—Gerald didn't press further. Instead, he patted my shoulder and urged me to think it over.
I smiled, shook my head, and rejected him without hesitation again. "Derald, there's really no need to reconsider this. I've thought it through. There's no reason for it, and besides, Racquelle wouldn't agree to it either."
My attitude was firm. Gerald, seeing that there was no hope, could only shake his head and sigh. "It's my fault for spoiling her."
No matter how helpless he felt, I couldn't console him about this. The more I did, the more it would fuel his false hope. I didn't want him to misunderstand the relationship between Racquelle and me in any way.
However, I also knew that Gerald was a man who clung to his beliefs. Once he decided on something, he wouldn't let it go if there was any chance of a solution. There was a good chance he would try other ways to push me into marrying Racquelle; just the thought sent a chill down my spine.
I wouldn't be staying with the Smith family much longer. With less than a month left, I just needed to stay in my lane, do my work properly, and avoid giving Gerald any reason to act against me. Then, I could leave in peace.
Besides, even if he tried to force me, Racquelle wouldn't agree. She despised me with a passion. How would she ever want to marry me? Right now, she was completely wrapped up in Vernon's arms. She was willing to risk everything for the sake of Vernon's business. I had seen all of this with my own eyes!
Because of that, I could temporarily let my guard down. However, I did not expect Gerald to have a backup plan.
I started at the company early the next morning, going over some contracts and proposals. As soon as I walked in, I saw Gerald sitting in the office with a serious look on his face. He was pointing at Racquelle as if he were reprimanding her.
She had a defiant look on her face but had no choice but to endure Gerald's scolding. I glanced at her matter-of-factly, didn't say a word, and returned to my storage room.
Out of the blue, an assistant posted a message in the company group chat, notifying everyone of a meeting in the conference room in five minutes.
I was puzzled. A meeting? Was it Gerald who would be hosting this? I had no idea what his purpose was in coming here today, but I had a suspicion that it might have something to do with yesterday's conversation about me marrying Racquelle. I shook my head, choosing not to think too much about it for now.
Grabbing my notebook, I headed to the conference room, only to find that everyone from the company had shown up for this meeting.
I had just taken my seat when Gerald walked in with Racquelle. After her reprimand, her expression soured considerably. She sat down with a huff, her head lowered in silent anger.
Gerald didn't so much as glance her way and instead addressed the crowd calmly. "Everyone's here, right?"
Seeing everyone sitting in their seats, he cleared his throat and spoke in a serious tone. "The reason I came to the company today is to announce an important personnel change." In the audience, people whispered quietly among themselves.
I looked at Gerald, a bit surprised myself. Could it be that he was already eager to dismiss me? After all, I had refused his proposal to marry Racquelle. Perhaps he was worried I might cover the Smith Group in the future. Could he have dismissed me to keep me from affecting...?
Just as these thoughts swirled in my mind, Gerald suddenly said, with a solemn expression, "I am announcing that I will be giving 30% of the company's shares to Joshua. From now on, Joshua will be the Head of East Division and the Vice Chairman of the company, overseeing all matters."