Carl flinched at my smile, his brows knitting tightly. "Leyla, it's come to this. I advise you to accept reality. For the sake of our marriage, I'll let you keep your fifty-one percent shares. But you must hand over operational control of the company."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cara behind him added softly. "Leyla, don't blame Carl. He's doing it for the company's good. A woman like you managing such a big company is too exhausting. From now on, just relax at home as a wealthy wife. Carl and I will take good care of the company."

Her tone was affectionate yet nauseating.

The shareholders in the room exchanged glances, the atmosphere turning subtle.

They were all businesspeople. They supported whoever brought benefits to the company.

Now it seemed Carl had tied himself to the heiress of Harson Group, with limitless potential ahead.

While I, the stubborn and impulsive soon-to-be ex-chairman's wife, appeared to be the one in the way.

James cleared his throat and spoke first. "Leyla, I think... Mr. Wade's proposal is good. Professional matters should be left to professionals. Don't worry, your dividends won't be short."

Once the first spoke, a second and third followed.

In the blink of an eye, everyone except me stood on Carl's side.

They looked at me with sympathy and persuasion in their eyes, as if I was the unreasonable and immature one.

The triumph on Carl's face grew thicker.

He pulled out a prepared share transfer agreement and pushed it toward me. "Sign it. It's best for all of us."

I looked at the agreement, then at his smug face, and suddenly felt it was all pointless.

I didn't pick up the pen. Instead, I took out my phone and dialed a number.

The call connected after just one ring.

A deep, magnetic male voice came through. "Have you made up your mind?"

"Yes," I took a deep breath, my voice trembling slightly. "I've made up my mind."

The conference room was very quiet, quiet enough to hear the voice from my phone.

Everyone's gaze focused on me, filled with confusion and curiosity.

Carl's face changed.

Jeremy Francis.

That name was a legend in the entire business world.

Starting from nothing, in ten years he built a commercial empire spanning finance, real estate, and technology.

He kept a low profile and mysterious, yet his methods were swift and decisive—an existence many admired but dared not approach.

Compared to him, Carl was like a firefly next to the bright moon.

A light chuckle came from the other end. "Good. When?"

My heart pounded wildly, my palms covered in sweat. "Now. I need you to appear at the Cloudius Capital board meeting immediately."

The entire conference room was so silent a pin drop could be heard.

Carl stared at me intently, his eyes full of disbelief and a trace of fear. "Leyla, stop bluffing! Who do you think Jeremy Francis is? You think you can just meet him because you say so?"

Cara also paled, forcing herself to say, "Exactly. Don't tell me you've hired some con artist to put on a show?"

I ignored them.

I just sat there quietly, watching the wall clock.

One minute.

Two minutes.

Five minutes.

The mockery on Carl's face became more pronounced. "Well? Where's your savior?"

The instant his words fell, the heavy double doors of the conference room were forcefully pushed open from the outside.

A tall, straight-backed man walked in, surrounded by a group of bodyguards in black.

His deep eyes swept across the room, carrying an intimidating presence that commanded respect without anger.

The conference room instantly fell silent.

Everyone was stunned by this sudden powerful aura.

The mockery on Carl's face froze, his mouth slightly open, unable to close for a long time.

Cara retreated a step in fear, her face paler than paper.

It really was Jeremy Francis.

This man who only appeared on the covers of finance magazines had actually come.

His gaze circled the conference room before finally landing on me.

When our eyes met, his were bottomless, making me feel flustered and look away.

He said nothing, only strode toward me with long steps.

His chief lawyer followed and handed a document to me. "Ms. Fuller, this is the prenuptial agreement and equity holding agreement drafted for you and Mr. Francis. Please review it."

I looked down. The terms were straightforward.

First, during the marriage, both parties' assets remained separate and independent.

Second, Jeremy Francis would personally acquire all shares of Cloudius Capital except mine and fully entrust all his shares to me for management.

Third, after three years, the marriage would automatically dissolve.

In simple terms, he would provide the money and effort to help me regain the company and get revenge.

And he wanted nothing in return.

Just to repay a favor to my father.

I picked up the pen without any hesitation and signed my name. "Done."

Jeremy nodded slightly, then turned to face the crowd that had gone dumbstruck.

His voice was not loud, yet it carried undeniable authority. "Now, I announce that effective immediately, Carl Wade is removed from all positions in the company, and we reserve the right to pursue legal action for embezzlement and disclosure of trade secrets."

Carl trembled violently, as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him. "No... impossible! Mr. Francis, there must be some misunderstanding! I..."

The lawyer stepped forward and slammed a thick stack of documents in front of Carl.

"Mr. Wade, these are records of funds you transferred from company accounts to Miss Payne's personal account starting three years ago, totaling thirty-seven million. Additionally, this is evidence of the email you sent last month leaking the company's latest financing plan to Harson Group. Do you have anything to say?"

Carl stared at the evidence, his face ashen, unable to utter a word.

Cara's legs went weak from fear, barely able to stand.

The other shareholders present also fell deathly silent.

They looked at me, then at Jeremy, their regrets turning their insides green.

James, who had just moments ago firmly supported Carl, now sweated profusely and stood up shakily. "Mr... Mr. Francis, we... we were deceived by Carl! We're willing to sell our shares to you! Please give us another chance!"

Jeremy didn't even glance at him. "My lawyer will discuss it with you."

Then he removed his suit jacket and draped it over my somewhat cold shoulders.

In the shocked gazes of everyone, he leaned down slightly and whispered in my ear. "Let's go, Mrs. Francis. I'm taking you somewhere."