Chapter 8 - The Proxy War
Three weeks later, the front page of the Chicago Business Journal broke a scandalous headline: "Corporate Philanthropy or Misconduct? Mercer National CEO Accused of Diverting Millions to Private Interests."
The article, carefully orchestrated by Arthur Vance and Julian Croft, alleged that Daniel Mercer had misused shareholder funds to purchase municipal debt, acquire real estate plaza leases, and secure private legal settlements for personal associates—specifically targeting his financial intervention on behalf of Rachel Harper.
The story ignited a media firestorm. Television crews gathered outside Mercer Logistics headquarters, demanding statements, while stock prices fluctuated wildly under the threat of a hostile proxy battle.
Inside Daniel’s office, Marcus Vance and Evelyn stood before his desk, their faces dark with concern.
"Arthur has secured thirty-five percent of the proxy votes from the institutional funds," Marcus reported, adjusting his glasses. "Julian Croft is pouring hundreds of millions into buying up loose shares on the open market. The annual shareholder meeting is in five days, Daniel. If they get to fifty-one percent, they can force you out of your own company."
Daniel sat quietly behind his desk, looking out over the skyline of Chicago. He held a hot cup of black coffee, completely unbothered by the chaos raging outside his windows.
"Have they threatened Rachel or Lily?" Daniel asked quietly.
"Croft’s media team sent reporters to Rachel’s apartment yesterday," Evelyn said, her voice tight with anger. "And two private investigators were spotted taking photographs outside Ashford Academy this morning."
A cold, lethal stillness settled over Daniel’s face. He set his coffee cup down with a quiet, deliberate click.
"They brought a child into a corporate fight," Daniel said softly.
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"What are your orders, sir?" Marcus asked.
"Call a full board meeting for Thursday morning," Daniel said, standing up and buttoning his suit jacket. "And open our reserve treasury. I’m not just going to defend my shares, Marcus. I’m going to buy Apex Holdings."
