Chapter 7
568words
Ethan Lane clearly intended this meeting to be his coronation ceremony.
When I arrived, he stood at the entrance, chatting amiably with shareholders.
Seeing me, he showed no surprise—just flashed a victor's smile.
"Nina, you came."
He stepped forward to put his arm around my shoulders as usual, but I sidestepped his touch.
His hand froze midair, displeasure flashing across his face.
"Nina, enough with the attitude. Let's go in—everyone's waiting."
He thought I'd come to surrender.
He expected me to beg for my mother's safety before the shareholders, then meekly sign the Share Transfer Agreement.
I would indeed sign something.
But what I'd be signing was his death warrant.
I followed him into the boardroom, where all eyes turned to me.
Ethan relished being the center of attention.
He cleared his throat and launched into an impassioned speech about Lane Group's glorious future after absorbing Howard Group.
As he spoke, the shareholders' smiles grew increasingly eager.
I sat quietly in a corner, like an insignificant spectator.
Until Ethan's secretary Amy placed a document before me.
"Miss Howard, this is the Share Transfer Agreement. Please review it and sign here if acceptable."
Ethan's voice carried from the podium with barely concealed urgency.
"Nina, I understand you're still grieving. But business can't wait forever. Please sign—it's the responsible thing to do for our shareholders and for your family's legacy."
How sanctimonious he sounded.
I picked up the pen but didn't immediately sign.
I looked up at Ethan.
"Before I sign, I'd like all shareholders to watch a video."
Ethan's expression faltered.
"Nina, don't be ridiculous! Do you realize what occasion this is?"
"I'm being ridiculous?" I sneered. "I think this video is extremely relevant to today's agenda."
Without waiting for his response, I tossed a USB drive to Frank Chen in the front row.
Frank Chen understood immediately and signaled his assistant to connect the projector.
On the massive screen, an image appeared showing Ethan and Frank Chen toasting in a private meeting room.
"The Howard men were becoming problematic—refusing to falsify accounts—so I had to eliminate them."
"As for Nina… once I secure her inherited shares, I'll make sure she 'voluntarily' signs them over to me."
Ethan's unmistakable voice echoed throughout the boardroom.
The room erupted in chaos!
The shareholders' eager smiles froze, replaced by shock and outrage.
"Ethan Lane! What is the meaning of this?!"
"You murdered Victor Howard?!"
The blood drained from Ethan's face.
He lunged for the projector, but it was too late.
The video continued playing.
The scene changed to Ethan in his office, speaking to Amy:
"That idiot Frank Chen actually believes I'll split everything with him? Once I secure Howard Group, he'll be joining the Howard men!"
Frank Chen's face turned ashen.
He leapt to his feet, jabbing his finger at Ethan and shouting:
"You backstabbing son of a bitch! You set me up!"
The room descended into complete pandemonium.
Security guards rushed in attempting to restore order, but to no avail.
Camera flashes strobed as reporters who had infiltrated the meeting captured every moment.
Ethan collapsed to the floor, face ashen.
I approached him, looking down at his crumpled form.
"Surprised, Ethan?"
I picked up the Share Transfer Agreement and tore it to shreds before everyone.
The paper fragments fluttered down like confetti at his premature funeral.
