Chapter 553
Gideon was in a sour mood, practically feeling the pinch in his wallet.
“My shares are my own business! Everyone back to your seats and stop getting on my nerves p>
The room was filled with murmurs of discontent.
“Sure, it’s your right to do as you please with your shares, but they’re part of the Bradford family legacy. How can you just hand them over to an outsider p>
“And to give away so much in one go, what were you thinking p>
Gideon, fuming, slammed his cane on the floor with a resounding ‘thud p>
Did he even want to give them away? Was it his choice? He was more frustrated than anyone, feeling like he’d swallowed a bitter pill, but he lashed out anyway.
“Anyone else wants to speak up? I’ll make you all cough up 2% of your shares to give to Elysia p>
Silence fell.
Meanwhile, Elysia was just as anxious on the other side. Her worries weren’t about shares, but about the million-dollar question. She clung to Tarquin by the window, unable to make out what the others were saying, but their displeased expressions were clear enough.
“Is a million too much?” she asked Tarquin, her voice laced with worry.
Tarquin didn’t answer right away, his gaze fixed on her hand still holding his arm. Her hands were delicate and pale, the kind you’d expect from a lady of high society, not someone in her position.
When he remained silent, Elysia gave him a slight shake, “Hey, I’m talking serious here p>
“You worry about a million being too much? Since when did you start turning down money? I thought you dreamed of living the high life,” Tarquin finally responded, his thoughts returning to the present.
“Yes, but I never imagined I could get a million just for this! A million dollars, that’s more than a decade’s salary for most. We’re not crossing into blackmail, are we p>
Tarquin couldn’t help but understand why Elliot had been so secretive about his wealth around her. A million dollars made her this nervous? She was both greedy and cowardly. Even if she had the slightest ill intent, she wasn’t the type to pull off a grand scheme.
“Just sign the settlement,” Tarquin reassured her with a smile. “We’re asking for more because they can afford it. If they were just regular folks, you’d be lucky to get a few thousand. Be happy you’re getting a million p>
Elysia nodded, coming around to his perspective. “You’re right. The compensation should match the offender’s ability to pay. If only I knew I could get this much, I might have aimed for a more serious injury p>
Tarquin shook his head at her comment, half-amused, half-exasperated. “You’re hopeless and naive. No amount of money beats good health. Even a child knows that. Silly p>
Elysia pouted in response, “I was just saying p>
Feeling a bit relieved, she let go of Tarquin’s arm, and he felt an unexpected emptiness. He looked at his arm for a moment before adding, “Just sign the agreement without worrying about their reactions. Once you do, the money will be in your account today p>
“Got it p>
Elysia was visibly excited as they headed towards the dining room, her steps light and almost bouncy. The Bradford family members glowered at her, secretly hoping she’d back out.
Elliot was already flipping to the last page of the contract, pen in hand, ready for Elysia’s signature.