Chapter 4

Monday, Group Senior Management Strategy Meeting.

Halfway through the agenda, it was my turn to speak as CFO.

I stood up, surveying the executives in the conference room.

Then, I dropped a bombshell.

"I propose that the Group officially initiate preparations for an IPO."

As soon as I finished speaking, the entire room erupted.

"To incentivize core team members who make outstanding contributions during the IPO preparation process, I, personally, am willing to allocate 5% of my original shares as an equity incentive pool."

This time, even the seasoned executives in the room, those old foxes who had weathered many storms, gasped sharply.

These weren't stock options; these were genuine, hard-cash original shares!

Once the company successfully went public, these 5% of shares would be worth at least nine figures.

I deliberately turned my gaze to Brandon, my voice gentle and sincere.

"Brandon, the company wouldn't be where it is today without your invaluable contributions. But going public is a tough battle, and we need our most competitive employees leading the charge."

"Therefore, these shares must be awarded to the individual or team with the greatest overall contribution this year."

Brandon instantly grasped my "deeper meaning."

He slammed his hand on the table, declaring,

"I fully support Ms.Miller's proposal! This demonstrates our company's open and inclusive culture! We must attract talent without sticking to conventions!"

He even added, with a veiled implication, "Supervisor Chloe Smith of the sales department, her performance this year is clear for all to see, and she is a role model for all our employees!"

In the conference room, several informed senior shareholders looked at me with complex expressions.

After the meeting, Brandon, almost impatiently, called Chloe into his office.

On my office computer, hidden surveillance footage clearly showed everything.

The moment the door closed, Chloe excitedly lunged into Brandon's arms.

The two of them passionately kissed by the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, oblivious to the world.

"Baby! Did you hear that? 5% of the shares! Once we get them, we're getting married!"

"Brandon, you're amazing! I knew you were the best!"

Chloe even excitedly pulled out her phone, opened the calculator, and started tapping away, calculating how many millions 5% of the shares would be worth at different market capitalizations.

Her money-obsessed appearance was both laughable and pathetic.

They probably forgot.

Any company initiating an IPO must undergo the most rigorous and comprehensive due diligence and financial audit.

And I had brought in the nation's top third-party audit team,

with the lead auditor being my best friend from college.

The Group held its equity incentive conference at the city's seven-star hotel.

Below the stage sat all company employees, important investor representatives, and journalists from over a dozen mainstream financial media outlets.

Brandon, resplendent in a bespoke suit, stood on the center of the stage, looking radiant.

He held the microphone, his voice filled with magnetic charm and feigned emotion.

"Today, we are not only embarking on a new chapter for our Group, but also honoring a hero who has made immense contributions to our company."

"With her talent and hard work, she has created unprecedented miracles in the sales department!"

"I announce that the recipient of this year's Special Contribution Incentive Shares is – Sales Department Director, Ms. Chloe Smith!"

As his words fell, a spotlight instantly shone on one side of the stage.

Chloe Smith, wearing a white gown that resembled a wedding dress, slowly walked onto the stage.

As she reached Brandon's side, she even gave him a shy, loving glance.

Brandon picked up a large crystal display board symbolizing the 5% shares, preparing to personally hand it to her.

Below the stage, flashbulbs flickered wildly.

And I, watching the 'perfect couple' on stage, gently pressed a button in my hand.

The PPT, which had been showcasing the Group's glorious achievements, suddenly flickered.

It was replaced by a high-definition screen recording video from a phone.

The video played automatically, revealing Chloe's Instagram profile.

I smiled.

"Thank you, Ms. Smith, for your immense special contributions to my husband."