The Billionaire's Forbidden Longing

Chapter 55 Shareholders' Meeting Allison glanced at Alexander, a bit confused. Seeing his serious face, she put down her spoon. "What's up?" Alexander took a deep breath and said, "The folks who were afterin Avalon City are stirring things up again. Plus, your current status is catching a lot of eyes. Someone's definitely gonna try to stop you from hitting that shareholders' meeting on Friday. This is just a heads-up, Allison." Allison looked down, understanding Alexander's concern. But really, would someone go after her just because of a shareholders' meeting? "Thanks, Mr. Carter," she said sincerely. Alexander had been a huge help lately.

Alexander grinned, "If you wanna thank me, finish all that ravioli. You're too skinny, eat up!" Allison smiled back, feeling a bit better, and polished off the whole bowl, even the soup.

After dinner, Alexander pulled out sinfo James had dug up. "Even though your grandpa started the Bennett Group, he always handled the overseas stuff. So, the domestic side has always been in Preston's hands. Out of the nine major shareholders, six back Preston, and only three are loyal to your grandpa." Allison scanned the info. The nine major shareholders held thirty percent of the shares. The three loyal ones had ten percent, the other six had twenty percent, and Preston also had twenty percent. The odds weren't in her favor. She turned to Alexander, "So, these six shareholders back Preston because they're all skimming off the Bennett Group's assets, right?" Alexander nodded. Allison was sharp, and he liked that about her. Meanwhile, she was already plotting how to sway those shareholders to her side.

Before bed, Allison pulled out her laptop, hacked into their networks, and dug up a ton of dirt.

She sent the info to Cleo and gave her a call. "Findtheir weaknesses, every little detail!" Cleo looked it over and asked, "Allison, did they piss you off?" Allison chuckled, "You could say that." "Alright, just wait for my good news!" Allison hung up, smiling. She was gonna give those guys a big surprise before the shareholders' meeting.

When Friday rolled around, the Bennett Group's shareholders' meeting caused sinternal but didn't shake the industry. After all, Bennett Group wasn't nearly as large as Carter Corporation.

Alexander was on a business trip and didn't make it back by Friday. Allison felt a bit lost, but she knew the Bennett Group's issues were hers to handle. She'd learned early on that you can only really rely on yourself.

To show respect, Allison wore a dress that was both classy and appropriate. When Jonah cto pick her up, he was pleasantly surprised. "Ms. Bennett, you look stunning today!" Allison smiled and nodded. "Thanks for the compliment!" When they arrived at the Bennett Group, Jonah opened the car door for her. As she walked in, all eyes were on her. "Is that the chairman's granddaughter? The major shareholder?" "She looks so young. I heard the chairman wants to hand the company over to her. Can she handle it?" "Keep it down, do you wanna get fired?" The whispers were endless, but Allison kept a graceful smile. Being questioned was normal, and she was ready for it.

She didn't give a damn about what others thought of her. One day, she'd show them all what she was really made of.

She stepped into the top-floor conference room, a space reserved for the big shots of the Bennett Group. As soon as she opened the door, she spotted Hayden at the head of the table, leaning on his cane. Seeing Allison, Hayden's face lit up. "Allison, cover here!" Allison walked over with a smile. "Grandpa, sorry if I kept you waiting!" Hayden waved it off. The meeting was set for nine, and it was only eight-thirty. She was right on time. Besides the three older shareholders, no one else had shown up yet.

Hayden introduced her to the others in the room. "Allison, meet Dennis Gonzalez, Jerry Nelson, and Philip Mitchell." Allison quickly walked over and greeted them. "Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Mitchell, nice to meet you!" The shareholders smiled warmly at her. "Hayden, your granddaughter is stunning. She looks just like her grandmother!" Hayden knew Allison resembled his late wife, which made him favor her a bit more. But he was never one to play favorites. Jasper had always been close to Hayden, while Yasmin was spoiled by Preston and Blair. Soon, footsteps echoed outside, and the other shareholders started filing in. They all greeted Hayden but completely ignored Allison. Hayden's face darkened, but Allison stayed calm. "Allison, get up. That's not your seat!" Preston's voice cfrom behind, but Allison didn't budge.

"I asked Allison to sit here. What, I can't decide where my granddaughter sits?" Hayden tapped his cane on the floor, and Preston angrily took a seat on the other side of Hayden.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis waiting where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerlym Haydeeagerlyn for you! Hayden continued, "Today's meeting is to introduce my granddaughter to everyone. This is Allison, my granddaughter and the future heir of the Bennett Group!" Hayden's announcement completely disregarded Preston's feelings, making him furious. "Dad, I'm not dead yet! What makes her the heir?" Hayden slammed his hand on the table. "I'm the chairman of the Bennett Group. I can give the company to whomever I want. What does it have to do with you?" The room was tense, and Preston looked like he wanted to tear Allison apart.

Allison, however, stayed calm, silently observing the shareholders' reactions.

The ones who supported Hayden were indignant, while those siding with Preston seemed to enjoy the . Seven shot hostile glances at Allison.

Allison returned a cold stare, making them look away.

Preston then said, "I don't care if you're the chairman-you don't get to decide who takes over the company! I'm officially announcing your immediate removal as chairman. I'm taking over, and we're voting on it right now!" Hayden trembled with anger, about to lash out, but Allison grabbed his wrist. "Grandpa, don't get worked up!" Allison said, then turned to Jonah. "Jonah, get Grandpa's blood pressure meds. His blood pressure's spiking!" Jonah nodded and quickly fetched the medication. After Hayden took it, Allison turned to face Preston.

Preston, still fuming, said, "Allison, you're so ungrateful! Do you think by tricking your grandfather and getting the shares, you can take over the Bennett Group? Dream on! The Bennett Group belongs to your brother; it'll never be yours!"