Lili glanced through the corner of her eyes at the shareholders nodding their heads. 'Why isn't anyone opposing?' Lili thought as she tapped her fingers over the table.
The next moment, a man, maybe in his seventies, raised his voice. "Mr. Cooper, you are the largest shareholder. Why don't you become the CEO?" he paused to see the frown on Nik's face. "Please don't misunderstand! I meant to say, Mrs. Cooper has recently completed her education. Wouldn't it be a burden to her?"
Though the wise man sugarcoated the words, everyone in the room was aware of what he meant. Niklaus smirked, leaned back, crossed his legs and threw a question, "Do you mean my decision is wrong or do you think my wife is unfit?"
The answer - 'YES', was on the tips of everyone's tongue. But none could spite it out and lose their own shares too.
"And… if you are talking about me, becoming the CEO? That's impossible! I only own the companies and for your knowledge, this is the only company that I am just a shareholder." Nik stressed on the point by tapping his fingernails on the glass table.
"Then why didn't you own this too! Didn't have the funds?" an unknown voice rumbled.
The room turned dead cold. Lili's legs started shaking and the people sitting seemed to stop breathing.
But Nik grinned and responded, "Not because I don't have capital. It's a waste of my money to invest in a not so profitable company. And for the reason why my eye fell on such an unworthy company, Mr. Bradford, why don't you explain?"
Lili noticed how Patrick's eyes turned wet. 'I should do something!' She took a deep breath and smiled. "Mr. Cooper, I don't think we have time to explain everyone." She then rotated her chair to face the shareholders. "I hope you guys learn about it by yourself. It's all over the news. Coming to the point Me, becoming the CEO wasn't my choice. In fact, I don't think I have the time to look after another company."
"Another!" The entire room filled with whispers.
Niklaus too was also shocked to hear that. As per his knowledge, there isn't a company Lili started. 'What is she up to?' His heart was beating vigorously with tension, but he didn't allow that emotion to reflect on his face. He was worried for her, though aware that he could bring everything to his control again.
"My birth name is Liliya Meyers."
Hearing that, the sound in the room increased. 'Thank God, these businesspeople are less interested in other issues.' Lili gave a mocking smile and continued to execute her plan.
"Yes, I am the daughter of Andrew Meyers, the founder of Meyers' companies. And... the wife of current owner Niklaus Cooper." The word 'wife' was completely new to her. Her body involuntarily shivered a little when she introduced herself as Mr. Cooper's wife.
The noise in the room doubled this time. Nik, by this time, understood what her clever wife was planning. Now that he had figured out, he followed her plan. "She will be the CEO of Meyers' empire. We will release soon an official announcement regarding her taking charge of Meyers and Bradford."
Lili gave Niklaus a lopsided smile. "And.., as you are aware, Meyers was more profitable company than Bradford. I want my entire concentration in building Meyers' image again. Well…" Lili paused, thinking on how to frame the next sentence to lift Patrick and not to degrade her image. "I propose a co-CEO for Bradford."
Beau, who was silently examining Lili and her drama, tightened his jaw and kissed his teeth. 'How dare is she?' He looked at Nik to complain, but his heart skipped a beat to see Niklaus' stretched lips. Nik's eyes were shining and glittering as they gazed at Lili, as if it's the end of the world.
"I suggest Mr. Bradford. He has efficiently maintained the company until now. Does anyone have any issue?" she raised her voice. Her hands, which were constantly resting on her lap, had been trembling. And now that the people's expression smoothened, she finally relaxed.
"Mr. Bradford, I hope you are fine with working with Liliya as CEO?" Mr. Cooper asked Patrick.
Lili stared at Patrick without a blink. 'Please! Please!' she prayed, as she was worried that Patrick wouldn't accept the offer. His silence increased the tension in her and second by second, the possibility of him declining the offer was rising.
"Fine!" Patrick replied, which made Lili's day. She couldn't stop herself from smiling. Her eyes teared with happiness.
"Good!" Nik congratulated, stood up and stretched his hand. "Our team will follow with you, regarding the paperwork."
Patrick and Niklaus shook hands, but Lili noticed that there wasn't even a bit of happiness in Mr. Bradford's face.
'Did I say something that hurt him?' Lili's smile vanished and sadness clouded her face.
Niklaus walked towards the door and behind him followed Beau, Lili, and Patrick.
"Patrick, why are you still sad? Aren't you happy with the position?" Lili blurted out the words struck in her throat.
"No! I am just disappointed with my daughter. Her immaturity and arrogant nature landed me in this situation. But Thank God child!" Patrick forced a smile and patted her head.
"Don't worry, uncle. Work as you usually do. Since Mr. Cooper has already announced, I couldn't oppose his decision. But I promise you I will not go against any of your decisions." Lili said, raising three fingers like a little scout girl.
Patrick laughed and along with him Niklaus, who was standing and gazing at them, also burst out with laughter. 'Cute!' he thought, by watching her act like a child. Nik's heart lightened, to see Mr. Bradford happy. He felt bad for Patrick, for taking punishment instead of his annoying daughter.
After the little talk, the three walked to the car. As soon as Liliya got inside, Beau pounced on her with questions. "When did Nik make you the CEO of Meyers? What's that co-CEO? Whom did you ask to take such a decision?"
Lili pursed her lips and looked at Niklaus. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for the scolding.