The CEO's Hidden Love: Midnight Temptations and Deep Desires novel Chapter 408

“Who do you think you’re kidding?”

Before Dorothy came into the picture, Everett wouldn't have even noticed East Star Enterprises. Now, out of the blue, he’s gunning for a takeover. It's as clear as day - he’s got his sights set on something, or someone, rather.

“What proof do you have?”

Everett’s words left Lane dumbfounded.

Everett towered over Lane, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he looked down at him.

"Instead of wasting your time arguing with me, why don’t you hustle and snap up some more shares? Keep that majority stakeholder status of yours intact."

“You bet I will!”

Everett chuckled, “Mr. Lane, I heard through the grapevine that you are willing to pay double my offer to buy those shares.”

The mere mention of it straightened Lane’s spine, a scornful smile spreading across his face, “That’s right, I said it. And I’m purchasing it directly using cash flow.”

Everett nodded, his tall, lean silhouette casting a shadow over Lane, looking every inch the CEO receiving a report from a subordinate, and Lane the eager-to-please employee.

“Sounds mighty attractive! Best of luck to you.”

With that, Everett turned to stride towards his car.

Lane, seething with the realization that he hadn't even made Everett sweat, stepped in front of the vehicle to block his way.

“Everett, I never pegged you for a coward! You’ve got the nerve to make moves but not the guts to admit you’re still hung up on Dorothy!”

“Did I ever deny it?”

Lane was taken aback.

“Anyone who’s close to me knows I’ve only got eyes for Dorothy. If you’re out of the loop, that’s on you.”

“We’ve... we’ve only secured 2%...”

“What? My nearly eighty million in funds got just 2%, and that’s it?”

“Yes, sir... You wanted to offer double what the Lopez Corporation was paying. We’ll need at least another billion to continue.”

Lane hadn’t expected Everett to have such deep pockets!

And now, having put up his last dime, Lane felt the sting as Everett seemed unfazed.

“Stop the acquisition.” Lane closed his eyes, wrestling with his pride, before finally admitting defeat.

The secretary, aware of the situation, cautiously suggested, “Should we sell the shares we've already acquired? The Lopez Corporation expressed interest in buying them.”

“No, I won’t sell it!” Lane clenched his teeth, his words seething with defiance, “If Everett thinks he can worm his way back into Dorothy’s life through the company, I won’t let him win! Even if he becomes the biggest shareholder of East Star Enterprises, I won’t leave, and I won’t give up on Dorothy! I’m going to be a thorn in his side, and I’ll make damn sure he watches her grow closer to me!”