The Failed Takeover

At the shareholders' meeting, not only were the most renowned stakeholders present, but so were several of the city's most prestigious media outlets. It was a grand scene with flashes of cameras and hungry reporters eager for a story.

Yasmine clung to me, her tone uncertain. "Mom, isn’t all this a bit too much?"

I patted her hand reassuringly. "You are my child, and everything I have belongs to you. If I’m passing it on to you, of course, the more people know about it, the better!"

Hearing this, Yasmine straightened her back proudly, shedding her earlier nervousness.

As for Harlan and Lana, they were nowhere to be seen, but I wasn’t concerned. What was meant to happen would eventually unfold.

Under the spotlight and the attention of the entire room, I signed my name on the transfer agreement that was prepared earlier, relinquishing the position of CEO of the Roberts Group. Since its establishment, the Roberts Group had only ever had two female CEOs—myself, and now, Yasmine. She became the youngest successor in the company’s history.

The reporters swarmed in, vying to interview Yasmine about the secrets to her success.

Under the glowing spotlight and amidst the lively atmosphere, Yasmine's face radiated with joy. Completely immersed in the attention, she held my hand tightly and expressed her gratitude to me in front of everyone.

For a moment, the crowd was united in admiration. "Who would have thought that beneath Dana Roberts’ iron-fisted leadership lies the heart of a devoted mother, tirelessly paving the way for the next generation!"

Just then, the lights in the room abruptly dimmed.

A single spotlight illuminated two figures who had just arrived: a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a high-slit gown, looking like the perfect golden couple. The audience watched in stunned silence, becoming witnesses to their apparent happiness.

Under the puzzled gazes of the reporters, Lana walked up to Yasmine, affectionately hooking her arm, and turned to me with a mocking smile. "Dana Roberts, the truth is, your child was stillborn. To spare you the shock, Harlan and I gave you our child to raise. Now, it’s time for her to know who her real mother is!"

She produced two documents: a paternity test and a psychiatric report. "Here’s the test proving I’m Yasmine’s biological mother, and this is the psychiatric evaluation from when you were emotionally unstable after childbirth. Harlan and I only gave you our child for so many years to protect you. We did it all for your sake!"

The crowd erupted in shock.

"Who is this woman? How could she be Yasmine Thorne’s biological mother?"

"I know her! She used to be the Thornes’ nanny! My God, was she having an affair with Harlan all along?"

"What a scandal! A nanny and the master of the house betraying Dana Roberts—this is unbelievable!"

Amid the barrage of criticism, Harlan firmly took Lana’s hand, brazenly showcasing their bond. "I’m not an ambitious man," he declared shamelessly. "All I’ve ever wanted in life is to find my one true love. Unfortunately, I wasted the first half of my life lost and aimless—until I met Lana.

"We are soulmates, and Yasmine is the fruit of our love. I won’t let anyone slander Lana or the mother of my child! Ask yourselves, is your marriage truly happy? I’m just braver than you for choosing to follow my heart!"

What an audacious display of shamelessness!

I shifted my gaze to Yasmine and spoke calmly, "Yasmine, tell me how you truly feel. Hmm?"

Ignoring me, Yasmine handed the transfer agreement to her lawyer, who carefully examined it.

Once it was confirmed to be valid, she dropped her earlier cheerful demeanor, replacing it with disdain and cold indifference. Scoffing, she sneered, "You only managed to break my parents up because of your privileged background. As the unloved one, you’re the true third wheel. I hope you recognize that, ‘Mom’."

At Lana’s prompting, Yasmine threw a divorce agreement in front of me. "If you sign this quickly and leave Dad without kicking a fuss, I’ll visit you at the nursing home once a year out of gratitude for raising me."

The crowd, initially swayed by Harlan’s speech, was now fuming.

"What kind of daughter is this? Raising a dog would’ve been more worthwhile!"

"This entire family is absolutely heartless! The nanny seduces the master, and now they want to take everything away!"

"Betrayed by those closest to her... Poor Dana Roberts just gave up a billion-dollar fortune, only for it to go to waste!"

Despite the uproar, Harlan, Lana, and Yasmine remained composed, as if the scorn was aimed at someone else. They kept their eyes fixed on me while Yasmine stood tall, certain I had no other options.

Under the crowd's sympathetic gazes, I took the divorce agreement and signed it with a flourish.

Lana eagerly snatched it away, inspecting every detail with care.

"Has Dana Roberts lost her mind? How could she agree to these scoundrels' demands?"

The trio exchanged triumphant smiles as if their long-awaited dream had finally come true.

I looked at them and smiled faintly. "Don’t be in such a hurry. After all, we’ve spent over a decade together. I’ve prepared a gift for you."