Chapter 280

Isabella needed to buy some time to check if the dirt on these shareholders was legit, so she stalled Zack for a bit.

Zack didn't know what was going on, but he was willing to wait a little longer for Isabella to come up with the cash.

Zack was the first shareholder they contacted. After that, John also made offers to the other shareholders.

Each shareholder got an offer three times their shares' value. But since they had already talked among themselves, they knew the threefold price wasn't quite what they were hoping for.

After Isabella called them, they started looking forward to Mason's next move.

Mason, on the other hand, got wind of Isabella's plan to buy shares.

When Charles filled him in, Mason slapped his leg in frustration. "Man, Jasper's a mess. Trying to sell the same shares to three different groups? That's straight-up fraud!"

Charles just chuckled. "Mr. Williams, no need to get too worked up. This could be a good break for Isabella. Even if she doesn't win the shares this time, she can still become the second-largest shareholder. She can work her way up to the top spot later."

Mason let out a sigh. "Good thing my deal with John only stops us from using our money to pay off the company's debts. I can still lend Isabella the money to buy those shares."

Mason motioned for Charles to hand him the phone. He dialed Isabella's number.

The call connected quickly, and Mason, with a friendly tone, said, "Hey Isabella, I heard about your situation. Do you need some cash right now? I heard John offered those guys three times the price. I'll get you five times that. Think that'll do?"

To Mason's surprise, Isabella declined without a second thought.

"Mason, you don't need to go out of your way for me like that. Actually, I plan to buy these shares at the original price or maybe double," Isabella's voice was calm and determined.

Mason's face showed confusion. "Isabella, are you aware that John is offering three times the price? Or do you think I'm making this up?"

Isabella smiled and shook her head. "Why would I ever doubt you? I just don't need you to spend that much money on these shares."

Mason seemed to catch on. He listened to Isabella's confident tone and said with a grin, "Sounds like you've got a plan."

Isabella admitted frankly, "I do have a way to get those shares for less than what John's offering. I believe money should be spent wisely, not just to feed someone's greed."

Isabella was feeling pretty confident at this point. After more than a day of digging, the private detective had found some dirt on certain people, just as Carol's documents had suggested.

Even if the detective stopped his investigation now, Isabella was confident enough in the dirt Carol had dug up to make those greedy shareholders hand over their shares.

"If John wants to blow his money on these shares, even if he pays ten or a hundred times the price, that's his problem. But, Mason, I don't want you to spend that kind of cash. Even if it's pocket change for you, I can't accept that kind of sacrifice," Isabella said, her voice tinged with guilt. Mason had already gone above and beyond to help her, and she didn't want to owe him any more.

Mason picked up on Isabella's feelings. He gave her a warm smile and said, "It's all good. Just let me know if you need money, and I'll be there for you. Honestly, I see you as a challenge for John. He's had a lot of wins thanks to his family's backing, but he's never really faced a serious setback. Losing this time could be the best lesson he ever gets."

Isabella quipped, "So, you hired me to be John's teacher, huh? Maybe I should start charging you for my services."

Mason's laugh was hearty and genuine. "Sure, how much do you want? Tell you what, I'll have Charles send you a blank check, and you can fill in the amount."

Isabella couldn't help but chuckle at Mason's generosity and humor.

"Alright, Mason, enough joking around. Take care and get some rest in the hospital. I gotta get back to work now." With that, she hung up.

Mason sighed as he stared at the phone.

Charles, who had overheard Mason's conversation with Isabella, walked over and asked, "Mr. Williams, are we really gonna do what Isabella said and not help her out?"

Mason nodded, deep in thought. "I've known Isabella since she was a kid. She might seem delicate, but she's tougher than she looks. If she says she doesn't need my help, it means she's got a plan."

As Mason spoke, his eyes sparkled with memories, bringing to mind a girl who looked and acted a lot like Isabella.

"They're so alike, both in looks and personality. I really hope Isabella can get all the company shares this time, just like she did back then." Mason sighed deeply.

Meanwhile, John, back at the winery with Bianca, was fuming.

John felt cursed. Even those small companies he usually dismissed were taking advantage of the family's internal conflicts to squeeze more out of him!

"When I finally take control of the family, I'm gonna buy out all those companies and make their bosses work in Evernia!" John shouted, kicking a nearby table.

"Hey, babe, don't let it get to you. They're just a bunch of greedy jerks. We'll have plenty of time to deal with them later." Bianca hurried over to comfort John, wrapping her arms around him.

John took a deep breath, then scooped Bianca up and headed towards the bedroom.

Bianca knew exactly what was coming next. She blushed and lay down on the bed, slowly undressing.

Just as John, his breath heavy with desire, was about to let off some steam, his phone suddenly rang.

John frowned as he answered the call, but his eyes soon widened. "What did you say? My funding's been cut off?"