Callie’s steps faltered. Shamar rose from behind his desk, surprised to see her. He opened his mouth but swallowed what he wanted to say.
“Have a seat,” Shamar said simply. “Marilyn, please continue.”
Marilyn put down the documents and spoke unhurriedly, “The foreign company has decided to buy back your shares. I was thinking, while repurchasing the shares, could you urgently formulate a new stock plan, granting specific preferred dividends to trusted associates? If that still doesn’t prevent the hostile takeover, you might as well go all out and choose to repay the outstanding debts early, causing a huge financial crisis for the acquirer after the takeover…”
Shamar remained silent, deep in thought.
Callie stood by the window, gazing at a potted green plant on the windowsill, somewhat lost in thought.
Marilyn continued, “There’s another way. Identify the boss behind the scenes and find a friendly supporter as an acquirer to compete with the hostile takeover. This could raise the acquisition price or even lock in positions…”
Shamar interrupted her, “Marilyn, if we use these methods and still can’t fend off the hostile takeover, we’ll go bankrupt first.”
Marilyn tilted her head.
“A good supporter-I can ask my father for help. But if it comes down to hard cash, we’re not their match for now. And identifying the boss behind the scenes is extremely difficult; we don’t have that much time.”
Marilyn nodded, “Your concerns are valid. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best to help you. Let me think it over first.”
“Thank you, Marilyn. The information you brought today is very useful.”
Marilyn smiled gently, “You’re like my brother; no need for formalities.”
An awkward look crossed Shamar’s face.
As she turned to leave, she paused beside Callie and smiled sweetly, “Miss Marsh, can we talk?”
Callie took a deep breath and nodded at Shamar.
“Not sure what you like to drink, so I ordered Americanos.” In the coffee shop downstairs, Marilyn handed over a cup of warm coffee with her slender fingers, her nails beautifully manicured.
Callie glanced at her own hands; she never did her nails because of her design work.
“Thank you.”
“No sugar added. I thought you might have similar tastes to Nelson, so I ordered according to his preference.” Marilyn’s black hair framed her smiling face, a picture of gentle beauty.
“I like it very much.” Callie smiled too, taking a sip. As she bent her neck, bruises became visible, making Marilyn’s expression stiffen.
“I’m glad you like it. While I’m not in the country, thank you for taking care of Nelson. Whatever you need in the future, I can provide.” Marilyn’s words were skillfully spoken as she held Callie’s hand. “After the factory incident last time, I knew you were a good woman.”
Callie didn’t smile. She quietly withdrew her hand, “Miss Ellison, you were lucky to have his protection; naturally, nothing could go wrong. It has little to do with me.”
Marilyn didn’t get angry, maintaining an innocent look, “But you got hurt. No lasting effects, I hope?”
Callie looked at her and suddenly felt a chill down her spine. This woman had managed to restrain Jaquan for so many years; there must be something remarkable in her.
“Don’t be nervous. I have no ill will towards you, even though you’re now Mrs. Oconnor.” Marilyn took a sip of coffee and leaned back in her chair with a calm expression. “Because I know you’ll leave this position sooner or later.”
Callie couldn’t help but smile at her certainty, “Are you so sure?”