Third Person's POV
"What's the issue?" Vanya asked.
"Melinda's academic records show she's been studying finance with excellent grades. But her plans are riddled with elementary mistakes. Something's off," Barbara explained.
"Elementary mistakes?"
"Yes. The jargon seems Googled. I checked her search history and her stock analysis—it's a mess. I suspect her qualifications might be fake," Barbara said.
Vanya furrowed her brows. Melinda was groomed by Cliff. How could her academic records be fake?
As Vanya hesitated, the lounge door opened.
Elliot entered with a plate of cheeseecake slices.
Vanya said into the phone, "I have other matters. I'll contact you tonight."
"Understood, Miss Dalton," Barbara replied.
After hanging up, Elliot placed the cheeseecake in front of Vanya.
"Alpha Cliff said you love cheeseecake," he said.
Vanya looked at the cheeseecake. She used to love it, but how did Cliff know?
He'd never cared about her preferences before.
"Thank you. I'll rest here. Call me when he's ready," Vanya said.
"Yes, ma'am," Elliot said before leaving.
Vanya stared at the cheeseecake, deep in thought.
What was Cliff up to?
She didn't believe he was powerless against the M Group. His recent actions were too strange.
In the afternoon, Cliff exited the conference room. Seeing the untouched cheeseecake, he asked, "Doesn't this taste suit you?"
"I did love it, but not anymore," Vanya said coolly.
Cliff's gaze darkened. "From now on, I'll remember what you like."
"Cliff, you said you'd transfer 20% of the Todd Group's shares to me. Is that true?" Vanya asked.
She didn't think Cliff was bluffing earlier.
Cliff had clearly been planning this.
As expected, he took the document from Elliot and placed it in front of Vanya.
"The share transfer contract, verified by our legal team. Just your signature is needed."
Vanya scanned the contract—every clause was flawless.
She looked at Cliff. "Why are you giving me Todd Group shares?"
"Because it's the only way to gain your trust," he said earnestly.
Elliot discreetly exited.
"I've realized I have nothing to offer you but this," Cliff continued.
Cliff's deep eyes reflected genuine emotion. Vanya saw no sign of insincerity.
If his expressions were fake, his acting was unparalleled.
She looked away and said, "Fine, I'll accept the shares since you insist."
She picked up the contract. "But I never believe in windfalls. I'll review this contract thoroughly. Is that okay?"
"Agreed," Cliff said wholeheartedly, his eyes softening with tenderness.
"Thank you," she said.
Vanya stood up and continued, "Since there's nothing else, you can stay and work at the company. I'll review the contract and give you my answer today."
"I'll have Elliot see you out," Cliff offered.
"No, I prefer not to," Vanya declined.
She wasn't ready to share Cliff's attention with Melinda.
Vanya left the lounge, while Elliot entered and voiced his concern. "Alpha Cliff, even if you want to compensate Luna Vanya, there must be a better way. If the shares are transferred, your power..."
The power one holds in a company is determined by their shareholding percentage.
By privately transferring 20% of the Todd Group's shares to Vanya, Cliff has set the stage for a potential shift in the family's power dynamics should their relationship sour.
"No problem," Cliff said, watching Vanya leave. His eyes darkened. "It's all a gamble."
Meanwhile, Vanya returned to Dalton Media and handed the contract to Stewart.
Stewart glanced at the contract in his hand, puzzled, and asked, "Miss Dalton, this is..."
"Have our legal team review it for loopholes," she instructed.
"As you wish, Miss Dalton," Stewart replied.
Stewart, about to leave, paused at Vanya's furrowed brow. "Wait," she said.
He nodded. "Yes?"
"Look into Melinda's background—her junior and high school grades, and her personal life," Vanya instructed.