Book 2: Chapter 41

A ring from my phone stopped me from answering Atty. Evarez's question. How could I tell him that I knew it from Eric? I didn't want him to know that I had been abducted. And as lots of revelations unfolded, I had suspected that the mastermind behind it was Ian, himself. Though that abduction was somewhat a child's play, I knew it just served as a warning that something huge was cooking for me should I refuse to submit to his demand.

I picked up my phone from the table in front of me. Upon seeing Eric's number flashing on the screen, I gestured at Atty. Evarez to excuse me. I went out of the function room then held the phone to my ear.

"Eric, what is it this time?"

"Red, listen to me carefully. Everything is going south already. Mr. Ian of Riddance Corporation wants to dominate TAG. He is already sending his men around Grey's residence to keep you around. Later, he will be forcing you to sell half of your share. His motive is to dominate TAG Corporation and become the major shareholder. Those who comprise the minority group are willing to sell their shares to him. But still, he can't beat you if you will not give in to his demand."

"What if I'll refuse?" I asked. I didn't know what to feel anymore.

"Your life is endangered. You are already in their hands."

"What is your point in calling?"

If only I had a choice, I would rather go back to being a penniless woman where I had peace.

"Simple, Red. Don't ever give your share to him. I'll find a way. I have found a way to help you. One of your shareholders is willing to sell her share to me."

Eric is entering TAG Corporation? Just because he wants to help me? Mr. Ian of Riddance Corporation is threatening him; how would he go against him and win the fight for me?

"Eric, just please, stop! My head is exploding anymore!"

I pressed the red icon and heaved out a sigh. Thinking that Atty. Evarez was still in the function room, I tried to put on a calm façade before I stepped inside the room again.

"I'm sorry," I pursed a smile at Atty. Evarez, and he smiled back at me. But the gloom in his eyes told me he was worried.

"It's alright, Dr. Grey. The chairman, by the way, has just called me. He wants to call for an emergency meeting."

"And?"

"If it's alright with you, I can ask them to come over here. Mr. Thomas used to gather everyone here, anyway."

I gazed at Atty. Evarez. If I were to listen to Eric, it seemed that Atty. Evarez was doing a favor for Mr. Ian of Riddance Corporation. I was beginning to suspect him as an insider.

"Atty. Evarez, I am very sure that Mr. Ian is a dangerous man. The company is not safe with him. He wants to dominate and remove me as the principal shareholder."

"The Board of Directors see him as a perfect choice. Mr. Ian knows the ins–and–out of the company, and without him, the company's survival would be at stake."

I began to shudder as I listened to his explanation. A cold sensation crept along my spine as I saw myself as someone helpless against the connivance of the whole members of the board. Without Sean to enlighten me, I could not believe any one of them, even Eric.

"I need to talk to Sean, please, Atty. Evarez," I begged.

The intense headache I felt seemed to split my head in two. My eyes had perhaps turned to red already. All I wanted to do at the moment was to roll down and cry. I was so confused already, and I could not tell who was harmless among the people around me.

Atty. Evarez gave out a soft chuckle. "Mr. Grey is already out of this. Maybe by now, he is already lying down on a bench under the tree, his head on Mia's lap while she is brushing his hair."

My circulation seemed to rush into my temples, turning my face red. I slammed a fist into the table, jolting him out of his chair. He never expected me to make an angry outburst.

"Are you trying to make me jealous?" I yelled, my eyes throwing him a burning gaze.

Atty. Evarez sat back on his chair, tilted his head sideways, and looked at me. "I have no intention to make you jealous, Dr. Grey. What I am stating is a fact. Mia has always been around to understand Sean and listen to him. Now that you have broken his heart, shamed him by removing him from the company and the inheritance, what can you expect? She even volunteers to go home with Sean to support him emotionally and morally."

I became speechless at his litany. I continued to cast a fiery glare, but my lips could not find the words to get back at him.

"Men are not only attracted physically. And Mr. Grey is never the material type, so he could possibly fall for the one who has been patient and understanding with him all along."

Drops of tears slid down my face as I listened to him. If only I were a man, Atty. Evarez would have punched me already. But little did he know that his words were as sharp as a dagger, piercing deeply into my heart.

"I just want to talk to him, Atty. Evarez. I don't need your sermon anymore."

Atty. Evarez pulled out his phone from his wallet. To my relief, he tapped his fingers onto the screen, and in a moment, I heard a ringing sound. Knowing that the call was trying to connect to Sean, the urge to cry welled up from within. I was already sobbing when his voice floated into the line.

"Atty. Evarez?"

"Dr. Grey wants to talk to you. Can you give her a moment?"

"Sure."

Atty. Evarez turned to look at me before he stood up from his chair. I watched him through my side vision as he left the room. The moment he locked the door, I gathered my strength to swallow my heartache and pride. Even if I was seeing Sean at the back of my mind, either with Calla or Mia.

"Sean," I spoke between my sobs, my voice cracking.

"Babe?"

"Can you please come back?"