Husband With Benefits

Elena’s face contorted with anger, her eyes blazing as she struggled to process the unexpected turn of events. Gabe had actually double crossed them. She verified the papers that Lucien had given her and then the ones that Gabe had signed for her. This paper really was pre-dated! And Gabe had been well aware of what he was doing, even as he pretended to give in to her demands.

The Frost brothers on the other hand, maintained their calm demeanor, unfazed by her anger.

"You think this changes anything?" Elena spat out. "I can still wreak havoc with the stocks in the market. You might have a small stake in Gabe’s shares, but I still have all of that. I might not be able to accomplish anything in the management but I can inflice significant damage."

Demetri leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips. "Ah, but you see, Mrs Winthrope, we are really sorry to disappoint you. Us, outdated people have anticipated your every move. While it’s true that dropping the stocks in the market might cause a temporary dip, but we have more than enough personal liquid funds and contacts to buy them back at the market price. Your attempt to manipulate the stock value won’t hurt us as much as you would like."

"Tsk Tsk. Aunt Elena. I’m really sorry that we are not as vulnerable as you would believed. We can weather the storm you’re trying to create." Seb added with a look so apologetic that one might have actually believed that he was regretful.

Elena shared at the smug faces of the men and then at the people who had come to support her but were now avoiding eye contact with her. She stood up, ready to leave the room, when Ian’s voice broke it," Mrs. Winthrope. I believed the meeting is still ongoing. We have a counteroffer that you might be interested in. Or atleast the others with you might want to see..."

Elena stopped and stared at Ian. And then at those who had vouched to help her. She could already see from their expressions that they’d been cowed by the turn of events and would do anything to escape this situation and not want enmity with these men. Slowly, she sat down, vowing in her heart that she would teach Gabe a lesson for this betrayal. He was going to regret and remember this as the biggest mistake of his life.

Ian nodded with a smile as the woman sat down and continued, "Now, let’s talk about a more sensible resolution. You can save yourself from humiliation and further complications. We propose that you directly sell the stocks to us at the current market price. It’s a fair offer, considering the circumstances and your intentions."

Elena’s anger turned into frustration due to her failure but she was not ready to give up so easily. As long as she had Gabe, she would resort to any means to get what she wanted.