She Outshines Them All (Athena and Matthew)

Chapter 427

Brandon walked through the backyard, basket in hand, absentmindedly picking vegetables while relentless thoughts ran through his mind.

"Ask my family for money? I'd rather die than do that," he thought, wincing at the idea. "Borrow from Matthew Graham? The humiliation would be unbearable."

After mentally weighing his options, he knew his only valuable asset was the company shares he had on hand. But with the business thriving, he knew selling them now would be a significant long-term loss.

"Brandon, your basket's overflowing with tomatoes!" Josie called from the kitchen window, laughing. "We'll never eat all those!"

Snapping back to reality, Brandon looked down, sheepishly realizing he had indeed filled his basket with tomatoes. "They looked so fresh today, and I couldn't resist. If we don't finish them tonight, we'll have them tomorrow," he said, clearing his throat. Quickly gathering a few more chili peppers, he returned to the kitchen, still deep in thought.

Brandon wondered if he could sell shares to someone who would leave him in control, regardless of how many shares they held. 'Tommy Giggs,' he thought, a name coming to mind.

As the major shareholder holding fifty percent, Tommy never interfered with operations. Brandon trusted him to respect the company's autonomy, even with more shares.

Putting down the basket of vegetables he picked, Brandon went to his study with a renewed sense of purpose, closed the door slightly, and dialed Tommy's number.

The study was far enough from the kitchen, and with everyone preoccupied with dinner preparations, he was sure no one would hear him.

"Mr. Giggs," Brandon began, "I needed funds immediately and wanted to transfer some of my shares to you. Would you consider helping me out?"

Tommy chuckled. "The company's doing incredibly well. The value of your shares will keep rising. Won't you regret selling them now?"

Brandon forced a smile. "I knew that, but I had no other options at the moment. I'll be taking a loss, but I'd rather my shares go to you than someone on the outside." Tommy Giggs said, "Alright then, how much do you need?"

"Forty million dollars," Brandon said. But before he could hear Tommy's reply, someone grabbed his phone from behind.

"Mr. Giggs, we have resolved the matter," Zayn announced confidently. "So, Brandon won't be selling his shares anymore."

After Zayn hung up the call, Brandon sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Zayn, you know it's not nice to eavesdrop."

"Eavesdrop? I was just walking by, and the door was left open. Besides, we're family. What's the harm in overhearing your phone conversations?" Brandon adjusted his glasses, feigning indifference. "Zayn, you've changed since joining the

what's going on? Why do you suddenly

Nothing for you to worry

"Is this

pulse quickened, and he quickly refuted, "No, it has nothing to do with her.

the start. If she's leaving for

find out

character, Brandon gave in. "Alright, I'll tell you, but keep it between

nodded. "Alright, I

explained his plan to buy back shares from Lindsay and two other senior staff at a premium. "Tommy would be the ideal person

company from the ground up. Even if Tommy's reliable, you need to retain a

ready. Even if it means you can only return it when you're eighty," Zayn added with a playful

security company have its expenses, too? Where would you

forget? I'm a big name now. Between acting gigs and endorsements, I'm making

and mild envy. "Alright then, I'll make sure it's

you're not doing anything shady to get this money, right?" Brandon teased, lifting an

I look like someone who would go that far?"

But I'll make sure you won't regret your decision today," Brandon joked, waving

thing," Zayn added. "With three top experts leaving Donovan High-Tech, won't that be

replied. "I've built a strong team over the past year, even hired lan Kincaid from Kitmore University this

a recruitment fair at Kitmore University, where he ran into Athena. Upon learning that she was the CEO's sister, he joined Donovan High-Tech

despite Lindsay and the other two experts' departure, his company had no shortage of talented and

beginning was

in approval. "Alright then. The funds will be ready in a

Zayn noticed Tina in the yard, fussing over Josie as he made his way downstairs. "Wow, so you're Maria's little sister? You look like a real-life doll! Can I have a

Josie gently, rubbing her cheek against the little girl's head. "You're

ruffling Josie's hair. "Alright, I'll let you stay here. I'll just come visit you and Dolli