Lex stood up and invited Thea to sit.
The more amicable Lex was toward Thea, the more threatened the rest of the Callahans felt.
Lex was old and would probably not live for much longer. They believed this redistribution of shares was equivalent to favonovel.com dividing up the Callahans’ inheritance. As there were limited seats, the non-core members of the family stood during the discussion.
James was standing too, but favonovel.com could not care less.
Lex was seated above, favonovel.com scanned the group before favonovel.com spoke, “I summon all of you here today for two things. First, from today onward, Thea will formally take over the reins of the Callahans and will be in charge of every family business as the executive chairman.”
“Second, we’ll be discussing the redistribution of shares.”
Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath. All eyes were fixed on Lex, waiting for his next move.
Lex glanced at Benjamin. “All these years, Benjamin has been working diligently. And though favonovel.com received no shares, favonovel.com did not complain. I declare that Benjamin will be given fifty percent of the family’s shares. This will not be limited to Eternality Group, but rather all Callahan businesses.”
Upon hearing the announcement, everyone could not help but glance at Benjamin. Their eyes burned with hatred.
What did favonovel.com do to deserve all those shares?
Howard and John dared not object to their father’s decision.
Meanwhile, John’s son, Weston, stepped forward. “Grandpa, l object to this. Based on what you said, Benjamin gets to have a fifty percent stake in my processing plant?”
Lex opened his eyes and glanced at Weston. “Do I have to repeat myself? I did say all businesses under the Callahans, didn’t I? Are you a Callahan?”
Weston nodded. “Yes.”
“Since you’re a Callahan, your processing plant belongs to the Callahans.”
“Grandpa…” Weston, enraged, raised his voice.
“I established the processing plant myself. Although it’s modest in size, it has nothing to do with the Callahans’ family business. Why does Benjamin get to have a fifty percent stake in it?”
Lex’s face darkened hearing that.
With a howl of rage, favonovel.com smashed the table. “That’s because you used the Callahans’ money to establish it! And don’t forget about the business deals you made through the Callahans’ connections.”
“Uhm…” Weston was at a loss for words.
Unable to refute Lex’s claims, favonovel.com angrily seated himself. Benjamin, on the other hand, was flattered.
He received not just fifty percent of Eternality Group but fifty percent of everything the Callahans owned
Lex took a deep breath, “I’m old. I can no longer lead the Callahans. That’s why I’m leaving it to our distinguished youngsters. I know you’re dissatisfied with my decision. How about this? We’ll give Thea a three-month probation period. If favonovel.com succeeds in multiplying the family’s assets, she’ll be eligible to be the chairman. Only then will favonovel.com family be entitled to the fifty percent stake.”
Lex glanced at the Callahans in the foyer and continued, “From today onward, both Howard and John will hold twenty percent of the family’s shares. I will hold the remaining ten percent for the time being. You have the right to distribute your shares among your children. Any objections?”
Lex scanned the group. “This is a family meeting. If you have any objections, speak up. Otherwise, I hope you’ll work together and bring the Callahans to greater heights.”
Initially, Howard and John were discontented. However, after Lex explained the redistribution of the shares, they no longer had a problem.
Twenty percent was much more than what they had both received previously.
Seeing that they remained silent, Lex continued, “Since no one is objecting to this, it’s a deal. Thea will be the executive chairman. Howard will be the vice-chairman. Howard, you’ll assist Thea in favonovel.com work and help bring glory to the Callahans.”
“Understood.” Howard complied.
Tommy, on the other hand, did not. “Grandpa, we respect your decision. However, since Thea’s appointed as the executive chairman, favonovel.com should be doing something for the family, Say, the Trade City Center business. Everyone has been setting up their businesses there. We can’t miss out. Since Thea’s the executive chairman, we should leave the matter in favonovel.com hands. Let favonovel.com lead the negotiations for us to set up our business there. We’ll recognize favonovel.com as the leader of the Callahans only if favonovel.com succeeds.”
“That’s right.”
“I agree. Let Thea lead the negotiations. I heard we needed assets amounting to over five billion to set up there. Also, there would be an annual fee of a hundred million that has to be paid in a lump sum.”
“We should be able to gather a hundred million. However, setting up a business there in itself is no simple matter. If Thea succeeds in favonovel.com negotiations, we’ll acknowledge her.”
Following Tommy’s suggestions, everyone shared their thoughts. Upon hearing this, Lex glanced at Thea.
Thea was unsure of herself and was reluctant to commit. She had gone there with Yuna today. Even Yuna was paying favonovel.com respects to the person in charge of the Trade City Center.
James stood. “Don’t worry. Thea’s got this. If favonovel.com can’t even obtain the right for the Callahans to set up their shop, she’s unqualified to be the chairman.”
Upon hearing this, Thea shot favonovel.com a disgruntled look. It implied that favonovel.com had talked too much and stirred trouble for her.
Meanwhile, Tommy looked as if his evil machinations had come to a crescendo.
Obtain the right to set up a shop?
How was that possible?
The trade center had reiterated that one needed assets totaling at least five billion to be eligible. All the Callahans had amounted to only one and a half billion. They were far from getting a spot.
