Chapter 3
The next morning, Javier arrived right on time.
Javier stated with a professional calm, "Ms. Mason, after reviewing all the evidence you've given me, I'd say our chances of winning this case are excellent.
"Mr. Shaw was the one who cheated first, and there's hard proof of financial transactions too. You have every right to seek compensation for emotional distress."
"I don't want his money. I just want this marriage over," I answered.
"Still, you're legally entitled to half of the marital assets. From what I've looked into, Gavin has a considerable portfolio," Javier added.
"None of that matters to me." After a moment's thought, I said, "But I do have one demand."
"I'm listening."
"I want him out with nothing."
Javier was visibly surprised. "Ms. Mason, that's a tough request to pull off."
"I can make it happen," I said with confidence, sliding a document across the table. "Here's the official proof—I'm the second-largest shareholder in the company. I want Gavin removed as CEO, effective immediately."
"That would cut off all his income streams."
"Exactly," I said coldly. "I want him to understand the price of betrayal."
Javier nodded. "Understood. I'll start preparing the paperwork right away."
At noon, my assistant Elena Crawford called me.
"Ms. Mason, Mr. Shaw showed up at the studio with tons of flowers," Elena said.
"Don't let him in. Tell security to throw him out," I replied.
"He says he won't leave unless you see him." Elena sounded a bit worried.
"Then call the cops. Tell them he's harassing me."
"Understood. I'll deal with it right away."
After hanging up, I scoffed to myself.
Did Gavin seriously think bringing some flowers would get him back in my good graces?
How naive.
*****
At three in the afternoon, I walked into the company's boardroom.
Gavin was sitting at the head of the table. When he saw me, a flicker of hope crossed his face.
"Grace, you're here," he said.
I didn't even look at him. Instead, I turned to the secretary. "Call an emergency board meeting now."
"Ms. Mason, but..." The secretary glanced nervously at Gavin.
"I'm a shareholder. I have every right to call a board meeting," I said.
Half an hour later, all the directors had arrived.
"The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss Gavin Shaw's future with this company," I announced.
The room burst into an uproar.
"Grace, just what do you think you're doing?" Gavin shot to his feet.
"Per our company bylaws, if the CEO is caught up in a moral scandal that tarnishes the company's reputation, the board has full authority to fire him," I said, setting down my prepared documents on the table.
I stated, "Here's proof that Gavin illegally moved company assets, as well as evidence of his affair with a subordinate."
"This is between us. It shouldn't be discussed here with the board," Gavin protested, his face clouding over.
"Private? Please." I let out a cold laugh. "You bought your lover a house using company money. Does that sound like private business to you?"
The directors whispered in shock and suspicion, their gazes at Gavin now full of distrust.
"Ms. Mason, do you have any proof?" Dylan Guzman, a major shareholder, asked.
I handed out the financial statements. "Here's the financial flow for the past year. Take a good look—see how much got funneled straight into Miss Olsen's account."
All heads went down, flipping through the pages. A wave of shock washed over the room.
"6 million dollars?" Dylan frowned in disbelief. "Was there any legitimate reason for all that money leaving the company?"
Gavin opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"Furthermore," I went on, my voice unwavering, "Miss Olsen is carrying Gavin's child. This is the hospital's confirmation."
I laid the prenatal checkup report out on the table for everyone to see.
I obtained it directly from the hospital—all completely legal.
"This... this is outrageous," one of the directors muttered, shaking his head. "If this hits the news, it'll wreck our reputation."
"I move that we remove Gavin from his position as CEO," I said, raising my hand.
"I agree." Dylan was the first to respond.
Soon, the other directors raised their hands one after another.
Gavin looked on, his face pale as a sheet.
"With seven votes in favor and one against, Gavin Shaw is hereby dismissed from the CEO position, effective immediately," I declared.
"Grace, you can't just do this." Gavin strode up to me. "This was supposed to be my company."
"Correction—it's Shaw Properties, not Gavin Shaw Inc," I shot back, standing up. "And starting now, I'm stepping in as acting CEO."
That was my right. I was the second-biggest shareholder here, and when the CEO got the boot, I got to take the reins.
"You must be crazy," Gavin finally exploded. "You think you'll get revenge by kicking me out?"
"This isn't about revenge," I replied, packing up my things. "I'm just doing what's best for the company. If you can't even keep your promises to your own wife, how could anyone expect you to be loyal to the company?"
"Grace, what's between us shouldn't affect the company."
"You're the one who mixed your personal mess with the company business," I shot back, eyes cold. "You used company money to spoil your lover. Now you want to play innocent?"
"I can pay it all back," Gavin blurted, desperate.
"Don't bother," I said, slinging my bag on. "Gavin, starting today, you're barred from entering this place. Security will take your access card and your keys."
And with that, I marched straight out of the boardroom.
Gavin's furious shout echoed after me. "Grace, you'll regret this!"
I never looked back.
Regret? I only regret not doing this earlier.
As I stepped out of the building, I spotted Zoe standing right at the entrance.
Her belly was already starting to show, and she looked all pitiful and innocent, just like a scared bunny.