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."

Besides, we're family. What's the harm

"So, what's going on? Why do

for you to worry about," Brandon said

"Is this

refuted, "No, it has

been with the company from the start. If she's

now, I'll find out what's going

Zayn's character, Brandon gave in. "Alright, I'll tell

nodded. "Alright,

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

shook his head and said, "You built this company from the ground up. Even if Tommy's reliable,

you the money. Pay me back whenever you're ready. Even if it means you can only return it when you're eighty," Zayn

have its expenses, too? Where would you even get that kind

big name now. Between acting gigs and endorsements, I'm making plenty.

mild envy. "Alright

shady to get this money, right?"

I look like someone who would go that

regret

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

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

University, where he ran into Athena. Upon learning that she was the

experts' departure, his company had

team he had built since the beginning was solid and capable enough to

"Alright then. The funds will be ready in a week. Just sit tight and wait for

mind, 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

front of Josie. With a playful smile, she hugged Josie gently, rubbing her cheek against the little girl's head. "You're just too adorable. I really want to take you home with me." Josie looked up, confused. "But

hair. "Alright, I'll let you stay