Chapter 128

Justin's eyes darkened at Cynthia's words. He hadn't expected her to be after the 20% stake. Cynthia's words clearly suggested a trade-off, but Justin, a shrewd businessman, understood and even appreciated her approach. He had to admit, his daughter was clever, knowing how to maximize her own benefit.

However, Shirley's expression changed dramatically. Pointing at Cynthia, she shouted angrily, "Cynthia, you have no share! You're an outsider. Dad already gave you 20% out of sentimentality, yet you're still not satisfied and eyeing my shares? You're greedy! I'll never give you my shares!"

Deep down, Shirley felt guilty. She had a secret she couldn't reveal to Justin or anyone else. She rushed to Justin's bedside, knelt down, and took his hand. "Dad, I was wrong. I realize my mistake. I won't act impulsively again. I'll focus on design wholeheartedly and succeed. Please trust me, Dad. I will succeed."

Justin remained unmoved, deeply disappointed in his biological daughter. In a cold tone, he said, "You had a bet. Whoever lost would transfer 20% of their shares to the other party. The Yates family witnessed it. Shirley, since you gambled, you must accept the loss."

Shirley hadn't expected such heartlessness from Justin, but she couldn't let anyone discover her secret. She immediately turned to Cynthia, adopting a flattering smile. "Cynthia, my dear sister, I was wrong. I messed up. From now on, I'll never do anything foolish. Let's get along peacefully, okay?"

Cynthia withdrew her hand, casually flicking her hair. Her eyes were calm, but her smile held mockery. "Shirley, what do you mean?"

Shirley pleaded, "Let's consider the shares a joke, alright? We're sisters. What's the big deal? From now on, I'll listen to you, okay?"

Cynthia laughed sarcastically. "A joke? Shirley, are you naive? Can everything be dismissed as a joke?" She admired her nails. "Last time, you bet that if you knew Miss Y, you'd kneel before me. You lost but brushed it off as a joke. I didn't bother with you. Now you're using that excuse again? Are you so fond of jokes?"

Shirley was stunned. She hadn't expected Cynthia to remember, and she couldn't believe Cynthia was so petty. Cynthia's point was clear: Shirley hadn't fulfilled the terms of their previous bet.

To appease Cynthia, Shirley knelt before her with a thud, bowing repeatedly. "I'm sorry!" Her words were reluctant, but she had no choice; she couldn't let Justin and Selena discover her secret. She knocked her head on the floor several times before rising, her eyes full of tears. "Cynthia, are you satisfied now?"

Cynthia chuckled, remaining calm and collected. Leaning forward, she said, "My dear sister, if you had this chance, would you give it up over a couple of apologies?"

Shirley was stunned, then cursed angrily, "Cynthia, are you messing with me?"

Cynthia was firm. "Dad, only after Shirley's shares are transferred to me will I see Miss Y about the legal documents."

Justin understood. Shirley was unreliable. Velorix's future depended on Cynthia, who was willing to call him "Dad" again. His raised daughter was talented and capable—far more reliable than a professional manager. "I'll call the lawyer immediately," he said. Turning to Shirley, he added, "Stop being stubborn. You made this mess, and Cynthia is willing to help. Thank her. If Miss Y doesn't drop the charges, the company's stocks will plummet. We'll be bankrupt, and your stocks will be worthless." The only solution was a settlement with Miss Y and a public statement. Justin would even give the entire company to Cynthia if necessary.

Chapter 128

Shirley's face turned pale. Justin was already on the phone with the lawyer. Seeing she couldn't hide it any longer, Shirley knelt beside Justin's bed, sobbing. "Dad, I've alreadysold the company's shares"

This was a bolt from the blue for Justin. He was momentarily stunned. "Shirley, what did you say?"

Shirley closed her eyes. "I sold the company's shares a month ago."

Justin's fingers trembled as he pointed at Shirley, shaking with anger. "You brat, say that again!"

Selena, realizing the gravity of the situation, pushed Shirley's shoulder. "Who did you sell them to, and why?"

Shirley couldn't reveal the reason. With her head down, she muttered, "I don't really know. It was some company. The lawyer handled the signing."

Selena exclaimed, "You fool! You don't even know who you sold them to? You sold all the company's stocks? How much did you get?"

Shirley trembled. "Ten million dollars"

Justin gasped, overcome with anger and fainted. Velorix's stock was worth at least 300 million dollars. She'd sold it for a measly ten million.

Selena was furious. She slapped Shirley. "You are hopeless!" Selena's regret was overwhelming. She'd always thought Shirley was headstrong, but she never expected this.

Cynthia showed no surprise, but feigned shock. "Shirley, the stocks are worth 300 million dollars, and you sold them for ten million? Are you trying to kill Dad?"