I looked over at Bob and Laura. They were watching me with matching expressions of smug satisfaction.
"Just sign it," Bob said, tilting his chin up. "Your own daughter is on our side. What exactly do you think you're fighting for?"
Laura smiled and chimed in. "Andre, stop making this hard. Once you sign, you're free to go. I'll take good care of the company. I promise."
I looked down at the stock transfer agreement: eighty million in debt, and the factory on the edge of town. They thought they were grabbing a gold mine; they had no idea they were grabbing a live grenade.
I picked up the pen and slowly wrote my name across the document. When I finished the last page, I slid it across the desk. Then I looked up at my daughter.
"Marta, I hope you don't regret this."
She made a short, scornful sound. She didn't even look at me. "Regret? Not a chance." She took Laura's arm. The look on her face was the pure, satisfied relief of someone who'd finally gotten what they wanted. "Now I get to live with my mom, and I never have to see you again."
I nodded. I had nothing left to say.
Bob and Laura took the document and flipped through every page. When they were sure everything was in order, they couldn't keep the smiles off their faces. Bob pulled out his phone and posted an announcement on the company's official website right then and there:
Stock Transfer Notice: Effective immediately, all shares of SSS Technologies are held by Ms. Laura.
Personnel Update: Andre has been relieved of all positions within the company and is dismissed effective today.