Chapter 22: Everything I Own

Elias's POV

The Stannard Group board had nine members, and by ten at night all nine thought I'd lost my mind.

"You're signing away the controlling vote," said the director who had been with me since the first year. "Of your own company."

"To a trust."

"With your wife as the sole trustee."

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"For as long as she wants it."

My lawyer slid the last page across the table.

I did not read it again.

I had read it four times in the car.

The document gave Joanna Marie Doheny, as trustee, every share I owned in Stannard Group, and with them my seat, my vote, and the power to fire me.

I could not take it back.

Only she could.

"It's insane," the director said. "She worked for you as an assistant."

"Yes."

"She doesn't know this business."

"She knows me," I said. "That's the business I need her to run."

Nobody laughed.

I signed.

I had the pen halfway through the second line when the door opened.

She stood there with rain on her coat, and Bea three steps behind her in the hall.

I had told my lawyer to keep her away.

"You weren't to come," I said.

"I never take orders from your lawyer."

She walked down the table, and nine directors leaned back from her.

She picked up the page and read it from the top.

I watched her lips move, and I watched them stop at *the power to dismiss*.

"What is this?" she said quietly.

"Insurance."

"Against what?"

"Against me."

She looked at the others.

"Everyone," she said, "please give us the room."

They went out, all nine, and my lawyer last of all.

The door clicked.

Joanna put the page down.

"I don't want your company," she said.

"It's not a gift."

"Then what is it?"

"It's a leash," I said. "Mine."

"You told me I managed you for three years without telling you why. I can't give back that time."

"I can give you a way to stop me."

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