Chapter 509

"Stop calling me unless it's important," Jordan said. Just the sound of his phone ringing now made his heart race with anxiety. "Mr. Hayes, this is important. Something's wrong," Bella replied coolly. The calm in her voice stood in stark contrast to the turmoil Jordan was feeling. She had a sense that Jordan was on the brink of a downfall. The night before, her boyfriend had noticed the marks left by Jordan's beatings, so she confessed everything. Her boyfriend then broke up with her in disgust. Now, she was eager to see Jordan lose everything. "Spit it out, then," Jordan replied. "Margot, Nicole, and Linda, the new major shareholders, have formed a unified front. They hold 25.5 percent of the shares together and are demanding an immediate shareholders' meeting." "What gives them the right to order me around?!" Jordan shouted. Bella replied, "They're at the company right now, exercising their rights as major shareholders." "Is Cyrus there?" Jordan asked. "Which Cyrus?" "Which Cyrus do you think? The director of Innerzen Medical Center." "Mr. Johnson? Yes, he's in your office right now, playing some game on his phone." "Don't call him Mr. Johnson. And there'll be no shareholders' meeting." Bella didn't respond immediately. After a brief pause, she said coolly, "Mr. Hayes, Jason has also demanded a meeting. With his shares added in, the shareholders who are asking for a meeting hold a total of 40 percent." "What? Jason too?" Jordan's shock was palpable. That explained why Jason listened to his order and dumped five billion to increase his holdings to 15 percent. "Yes, he says he wants to discuss our next steps to mitigate the losses," Bella replied. Jordan had a nagging feeling that something was terribly wrong, but he couldn't refuse as so many shareholders demanded a meeting. Evelyn sighed and said, "If we must have a meeting, then let's have it. Bring in the minor shareholders as well. I'll have to handle this personally." She believed that given her status and influence within the prestigious Sykes family, she could announce the acquisition of Jordan Pharmaceuticals at the shareholders' meeting. With this move, the minor shareholders would likely support her, the stock price would soar, and Jason would profit and naturally support Jordan. Jordan was thrilled and immediately said with a smile, "Aunt Evelyn, I'm sure everything will be fine with your stepping in." Chris said while pushing Evelyn's wheelchair. "Once we've acquired your shares and you've got your money, please enjoy your retirement. We'll send people to take over Jordan Pharmaceuticals." "What gives you the right? This is our business!" Jordan fumed. No matter the outcome, it seemed that he and Ferdinand would've been ousted from Jordan Pharmaceuticals regardless. What was the point of just having money without the status and power they craved? They had hoped to become heirs to the Sykes family. But now, it looked like the family business that their father left to them would be taken over by the Sykes family. "It's because you guys can't do anything right!" Evelyn retorted. Ferdinand pulled Jordan and said, "Jordan, you have to bring Marshall to the meeting. He's down to his last nutrient pill. If Margot steps out of line, we'll cut off his supply and let him bitten to death." "Okay. If we can control the shareholders' meeting, Evelyn won't have a chance to seize our family business," Jordan agreed. Jordan and Ferdinand finally realized they had to escape the Sykes family and run Jordan Pharmaceuticals independently. The Sykes family only saw them as pawns, not family members. … At the headquarters of Jordan Pharmaceuticals, Jason arrived and ran into Jordan as they both entered the elevator. "Jason, you truly are my friend. How much have you lost so far?" Jordan questioned. "About 20 to 30 billion," Jason replied. Jordan promised, "Don't worry, Jason. I won't let you suffer. Once this is over, I'll buy back the shares at a ten percent premium." "That sounds good." Jason nodded vigorously. "Jason, are you supporting Cyrus or me?" Jordan asked cautiously. "Of course, I support the company's rightful owner." Jordan felt deeply touched. It seemed Jason wasn't the ruthless businessman everyone said he was. He was a loyal and honorable man.