Chapter 4: The Boardroom Coup
The peace of the estate was shattered by an urgent call from Chicago. Thorne, a rival investor, had leaked a false report suggesting Ethan’s instability was a sign of a mental breakdown, triggering a plummet in the Brooks family stock.
"They’re trying to force a vote of no confidence," Ethan said, his voice shaking. "If they get the majority, they'll strip us of our board seats."
Daniel was already moving. He was back in the "billionaire" mode—cold, calculated, ruthless. He spent hours on the phone, moving millions of dollars in a desperate, last-minute defensive strategy.
"They have the votes," Daniel growled, slamming his phone onto the table. "Thorne has promised the shareholders a higher dividend. They’re selling us out."
I walked over to the desk, looking at the spreadsheet of major investors. "Look at this one. The pension fund."
Daniel frowned. "They’re holding five percent. They’re in Thorne’s pocket."
"They're not in his pocket," I said, tracing the name. "They’re bound by a charter that requires ethical investment. Thorne is linked to an offshore firm that’s currently under SEC investigation. If the pension fund board finds out, they’ll be legally required to dump his stock."
Daniel stopped. He looked at me, then at the screen. "How did you know that?"
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"I used to work in a firm that handled compliance," I said. "Before I hit rock bottom at the diner. I’m better with numbers than I am with a serving tray."
Daniel’s jaw set. "If this is true, you just saved the company."
