I Was A Hopeless Gold Digger Protected By A Pain‑Linked Billionaire Chapter 08

I Was A Hopeless Gold Digger Protected By A Pain‑Linked Billionaire Chapter 08

The boardroom doors opened.

Serena’s assistant, Zoe, walked in with her head down. Two police officers followed behind her.

Serena’s face changed. “You betrayed me?”

Zoe shrank back. “Ms. Shaw – you only offered me two million. Ms. Clarke offered five.”

I corrected her. “That’s called a reward for a cooperating witness. Don’t make it sound like I bribed

you.”

Zoe nodded quickly. “Yes, yes. Ms. Clarke also got me a lawyer.”

She handed over all the evidence: the fabricated phone, the paid online trolls, proof that the

surveillance footage was deleted.

The neurologist tried to slip out. The police stopped him.

Victor slammed the table. “Even if the evidence is fake – it doesn’t prove Mr. Hale is fit to run the

company! A woman gets hurt, and he collapses? How can someone like that lead Hale Group?”

Several shareholders nodded.

“Exactly. Mr. Hale’s health is now the company’s biggest risk.”

“Jade Clarke is his weakness. If someone takes control of her, they control the whole group.”

Grant’s expression stayed flat. “Done?”

He motioned to Zane. A stock transfer document appeared on the screen.

The three shareholders who had proposed the removal had already used their shares as high–risk

collateral. Grant had bought up all the debt they owed on the flight back.

Zane smiled. “Per the agreement, the three of you failed to meet the margin call. As of one minute

ago, your shares now belong to Mr. Hale.”

Their faces went white.

“That’s impossible – weren’t you in the ER?!”

Grant leaned back in his chair. “Being rushed to the hospital didn’t stop me from dealing with you.”

Victor shot up. “You set this up all along?”

“Not really.” Grant looked at him. “You just walked into it yourselves.”

Victor’s chest heaved. He pointed at me.

“Fine. You can outmaneuver us – but what about her? Are you really going to tie your life to this

woman forever? She only loves money! Today, she’s with you because you’re rich. Tomorrow, if someone richer comes along – she’ll sell you out too!”

All eyes turned to me.

I thought about it for a few seconds. “Theoretically, that’s possible.“.

Grant’s face instantly went dark.

I quickly added: “But practically, it’s not happening. There aren’t many richer than him.”

Zane lowered his head to hide his laugh.

Victor latched on like he’d found a lifeline. “Did you hear that? She doesn’t love you!”

Grant looked at me anyway. “I know. I don’t care.”

The room went quiet again.

I stared at him, stunned.

Grant pulled out a document and slid it across the table. An asset transfer agreement. Twenty percent of Hale Group shares. Offshore trusts. Most of his private assets.

I counted the zeros for a long time. My hands were shaking.

“What are you doing?”

“Increasing your opportunity cost.” His eyes held mine. “Even if someone richer shows up, you’ll

have to do the math – and figure out if leaving me is worth it.”

My heart suddenly raced.

Serena completely broke across the table.

“Grant Hale, are you insane?! She’s the reason you’ve ended up like this, and you’re still giving her

your assets?!”

She grabbed a fruit knife from the table and lunged at me.

“The moment she’s dead – you’ll be free!”

The blade came down – Grant moved to shield mel

But I was faster. My foot connected with Serena’s knee.

She screamed and hit the floor.

I snatched the knife from her hand and held it against her throat.

“Did you really think I’d just lie there after getting hurt? I spent three years working night markets

before I learned how to be a gold digger. I can’t promise much – but fighting? That, I know.”