Lucinda smiled wryly.
âDo you not think your demands are excessive?
The value of 15% of Simmons Groupâs shares far surpasses those of other companies.
â
Mekhi explained, âBesides the shares, theyâre throwing in additional gifts.
I understand that the Simmons Groupâs stock holds significant value, thatâs why Iâm asking you for just shares.
â
Lucinda grew annoyed at his audacity.
She responded sharply, âYour request is outrageous.
Noelle grew up in a welfare home and worked tirelessly to reach the top.
Her resources come from Angle Intl and Cyrus.
Weâve done our utmost to support her.
Beyond her own talent and dedication, Cyrus and I played pivotal roles in her journey to becoming the best actress.
In the past two decades, the Shaw family hasnât lifted a finger to assist her.
Besides taking her in as part of the Shaw family, what have you done for her?
Given these circumstances, how can you demand 15% of the shares? I doubt you intend to give them to Noelle.
Youâd most likely keep them for yourself.
She wasnât nurtured and educated by the Shaw family.
Youâre treating her like a commodity, aiming to maximize her value, despite knowing her love for Cyrus.
Mekhi, your unyielding cruelty is astonishing.
â
Even as Lucinda scolded him, Mekhi maintained an unapologetic demeanor.
He casually sipped his tea and said in an unconcerned manner, âLucinda, donât get upset.
This is just a discussion.
Thereâs always room for negotiation.
Take your time to think before turning me down.
â
Lucinda had no desire to hear more from him.
She stood up, smoothed her dress, and asked, âWhich room is Noelle in? I want to see her.
â
âShe is getting ready, doing her makeup and getting dressed.
The banquet is about to start.
Youâll see her later.
â
He implied that he would not allow her to see Noelle now.
Frustrated, Lucinda turned and walked away.
After a couple of steps, she turned back and asserted, âItâs inappropriate for you to call me Lucinda.
You should refer to me as Mrs.
Payne from now on.
â
Mekhi hesitated, forced a smile, and agreed, âOkay.
â
Outside the house, Nathan was waiting for her.
He approached and inquired, âHow did it go? Did everything work out?â
Lucinda shook her head with a sad face.
Concerned, Nathan furrowed his brow and asked, âMekhi disagreed? But Cyrus and Noelle are together.
Even though they havenât made their relationship public, a lot of people are aware of it.
He has no reason to refuse.
â
âI declined his request,â Lucinda explained calmly, lowering her head.
âHe asked for 15% of the Simmons Groupâs shares as a gift for the Shaw family.
â
â15%?â Nathan was taken aback.
He had not expected such a request.
âHe asked for that much? He seems to have forgotten that Iâm his boss!â Nathan exclaimed.