Chapter 208

Serena's POV

I'm in the middle of a crucial board meeting. We're reassessing our strategy after complications with the latest RFP process. All three shortlisted companies have pulled out, forcing us to either restart the bidding or consider bringing development in-house. The meeting's running long as the board debates ROI projections for each option.

As I exit the boardroom, Vincent catches me in the hallway, keeping his voice low. "Ms. Sinclair, your grandmother's in your office. Mrs. Beatrice Sinclair."

I feel my jaw tighten slightly.

Vincent explains, "She showed up during the quarterly review and... well, she was making quite a scene in reception. Given the situation with the reporters downstairs, I thought it best to-"

"You made the right call," I cut him off with a slight nod. I understand Vincent's overcautious approach these days. After that mess with the lawsuit, he's been dotting every 'i' and crossing every 't'.

When I walk into my office, Beatrice's scowl instantly morphs into her forced smile. "Serena, darling! These board meetings of yours... I had no idea you were so hands-on with operations these days..." She rises from my guest chair, bag in hand.

I bypass the gesture smoothly, moving behind my desk to maintain distance. I know exactly why she's here. Nina's lightning-fast acquisition of Sinclair Corp wasn't exactly subtle - clearly Rachel Thorne's return on investment for backing her hostile takeover.

"Serena." Beatrice settles back into her chair, unfazed by the rebuff. "I've been doing some soul-searching. What happened at the Foundation gala... I was completely wrong about you. Seeing how Nina's handled... I was totally blindsided by her act. I've come to apologize, dear. Your grandmother made a terrible mistake at the reading of the will. Can we move past this?"

I let out a soft laugh and offer a boardroom-neutral "Sure."

The silence stretches until Beatrice finally shows her hand. "Serena." I kept my eyes fixed on the screen when she spoke again, not acknowledging her. "I have another request," Beatrice finally revealed her true purpose for coming.

I gave a cold smile, not bothering to look at her.

"You know StarRiver is under Nina's control now - she only has one percent more shares than your father. With your ten percent stake, if you'd just give two percent to your father, Nina wouldn't be able to act so superior anymore." Beatrice's tone shifted to a wheedling sweetness as she mentioned Nina, clearly still bitter. "Don't worry, I won't let you lose out. I'll pay double the market price to buy those shares."

"No." I turned to face her directly, responding without a moment's hesitation. "I won't sell at any price."

"Serena, dear, those shares are useless to you now. Who knows what state Sinclair is in under Nina's management? And you're so busy at StarRiver now, when would you even have time to concern yourself with Sinclair's affairs..."

"Whether I have time or not is my business. These shares are all I have left from my mother. Even if Sinclair goes bankrupt, I won't sell." I cut her off coldly. "And as for Nina's capabilities - frankly, she's probably more competent than Lawrence."

"Serena Sinclair!" Beatrice finally lost her composure, shouting in anger.

I remained unmoved, too accustomed to such outbursts to even change my expression.

"I'd warned you," she threatened.

"Whatever." I dismissed her with contempt.

"You think I won't go straight to the press? Tell them how disrespectful you are, how you abused me? I can ruin your reputation!"

"Mrs. Sinclair." I couldn't even be bothered to call her Grandmother anymore. She truly didn't deserve it.

"Have you forgotten what you told the press? That I had nothing to do with the Sinclair family anymore? That the family would never come asking for my help? That I should be grateful if I didn't try to claim any Sinclair assets?" I replied with biting sarcasm. "Don't worry, I'm doing exactly what you said."

"You-!" Beatrice was clearly frustrated by her inability to manipulate me.

"I'm busy." I had no interest in continuing this pointless conversation. "Vincent."

"Yes?" Vincent Chadwick immediately entered the office.

"Show them out," I instructed coolly. "And from now on, don't let any unauthorized people in. If they cause trouble, call the police."

"Yes, sir." Vincent moved to escort Beatrice and Angela out. "This way, please."

Beatrice shot me a venomous look, spitting out one last threat: "Serena Sinclair, the tables will turn someday. You'll see what I'm capable of!"

"That statement applies more to your current situation," I replied evenly.

Beatrice left with a dark expression on her face.