Chapter 3 - THE MILLIONAIRE WHO OWNED NOTHING
Ethan was still in the lobby when his phone rang.
His chief financial officer.
He answered irritably.
“What?”
“Ethan, we have a problem.”
“What kind of problem?”
“A serious one.”
Ethan looked toward the elevators.
“Then handle it.”
“Grace has exercised the voting rights attached to the Whitmore family trust.”
Ethan froze.
“What?”
“The trust controls fifty-one percent of the parent company.”
“I know what the trust controls.”
“Then you understand what I'm telling you.”
Ethan's stomach tightened.
“What did she do?”
“She authorized a restructuring.”
“Without me?”
“Yes.”
“That's impossible.”
The CFO hesitated.
“Ethan, she's the majority shareholder.”
Ethan stared at the marble floor.
For years, he had treated Grace's inherited stake as a technicality.
A sentimental arrangement.
Something she would never use.
Because Grace loved him.
Because Grace trusted him.
Because Grace always believed the best of him.
“What restructuring?”
A pause.
“She's removed you as chairman.”
The world went silent.
Ethan gripped the phone.
“Say that again.”
“You've been removed.”
He turned toward the elevators.
“And Declan Pierce?”
“Pierce Global is providing financing and operational support.”
Ethan felt his blood turn cold.
“He's buying my company?”
“No.”
The CFO swallowed.
“Grace is keeping it.”
Ethan ended the call.
For several seconds, he couldn't move.
Then Vanessa approached.
“What's wrong?”
He looked at her.
The red silk dress.
The diamond bracelet.
The expensive perfume.
All purchased with money he had convinced himself belonged to him.
“Did you know?” he asked.
Vanessa frowned.
“Know what?”
“That Grace controls the company.”
Vanessa stared.
“Of course.”
“Then why didn't you tell me?”
She laughed nervously.
“Ethan, everyone knows that.”
His expression hardened.
“Everyone?”
Vanessa stepped back.
May you like
He turned toward the elevator.
And for the first time in his life, Ethan Calloway understood what it felt like to lose something he had never truly owned.
