Page 22 of Bliss with a Billionaire

“Or it could put the final nail in Grant’s coffin. We don’t know because they didn’t bother to show up. Why don’t we just take a vote and allow the chips to fall where they may? If no one has a majority after the vote, we can revisit.”

Caroline shot an apologetic glance at Grant. He offered her a weak, fleeting smile for her support. Would Julex matter? And ifLydia fell short, would she use them to finish him in a dramatic twist?

His stomach twisted into a knot as Veronica agreed with Lydia. “I’m in agreement. We need to see where this board and the shareholders it represents are at in terms of thoughts on leadership. We should proceed with the vote.”

“I must protest this in the strongest terms,” Mitchell said with a shake of his head.

Grant heaved a sigh as his legal team tried a last-ditch effort that would likely cost him in the end, anyway, when it was revealed that Lydia had some involvement in Julex.

“I think you’ll find that you are in the minority, Mitch,” Lydia said. “Now, can we proceed.”

The double doors opened, and Evie scurried in, approaching Mitchell. She leaned closer to him, whispering in his hear. “I have the representatives from Julex here.”

Grant’s heart thudded faster at the words. So, in typical theatrical style, Lydia would flex her muscles and send him packing in the most embarrassing defeat possible.

“Show them in,” Mitchell said with a nod.

Evie twisted to face Grant, an encouraging smile on her lips. She reached for his forearm and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

He appreciated the reassurance she was trying to give him, but things looked grimmer now than ever.

“It appears the representatives from Julex have taken an interest in these proceedings. Mrs. Clarke is showing them in now, and once they are settled, we’ll proceed with the vote.”

“Good, this company shouldn’t have to wait any longer for a savior,” Lydia said.

The ticking clocked marked the agonizingly slow passage of time as he waited for the other majority shareholder to be shown into the room. His mind stretched as he searched options for who Lydia would have teamed up with. Luke?

That would be her style. He’d lose his company to the man he’d stolen Julia from. At least he’d gotten her, which was likely the better end of the deal.

Mitchell tugged two chairs closer to the table, sliding his down closer to Grant. After what seemed like an eternity, the doors popped open again. Evie stepped inside with a grin as she motioned toward the table. “Right this way.”

Grant slid his eyes closed, not wanting to see Julia’s former flame walk into the board room to rip his company from him.

“You havegotto be kidding me,” Lydia’s voice exclaimed.

Was she really going to put on an Oscar-worthy performance and act like she had no idea what was happening?

“Sorry, Iron Lady, but the jokes on you,” a voice answered.

Grant opened his eyes, snapping his gaze toward it, his jaw unhinging as he spotted Julia with Alex Stone. He leaned closer to her. “Julia? What are you doing here?”

“Giving you the twenty percent you need plus five more,” she whispered.

“OMG!” Alexander shouted. “Alex Stone?”

The man leaned back in his chair, a smug expression on his face. “In the flesh.”

“Oh, wow, no way. Oh, this is so cool. Oh…” Alexander leaned across the table, extending his hand. “I’m Alexander Knight.”

“Of KnightRide, yeah, I’m aware,” Alex said, refusing to take his hand.

“Sorry, I’m just…fan-girling big time here. I mean…ha! I never thought I’d be sitting across the table from Wired magazine’s man of the decade. And…the…what? Sixth youngest billionaire?”

“Fifth, but…who’s counting?” Alex said with a smile.

“I think we need a minute,” Lydia said, pushing away from the table.

“No,” Grant said with a shake of his head. With their twenty-five percent and his nineteen, they had close to a majority on their own. They’d only need seven percent more to maintain control, and he had it. “You wanted a vote, Lydia, you’ve got one.”