Chapter 7 - The Hostile Takeover
Monday morning, 9:45 AM.
The executive boardroom of Vale & Co. was packed to capacity. Sunlight poured through the panoramic windows, illuminating twenty men and women in tailored suits seated around a massive marble table.
At the head of the table sat Julian Vance, reviewing an inch-thick legal binder. Beside him sat representatives of the Zurich manufacturing conglomerate, their faces impassive and cold.
""Where is Graham?"" one of the institutional shareholders asked nervously, checking his gold watch. ""The meeting was called for ten sharp.""
""Our former CEO is likely packing his personal effects,"" Julian said with a dismissive wave of his hand. ""Or perhaps he's wandering the sidewalks looking for divine intervention. Either way, under section twelve of our bylaws, if the chief executive fails to appear, the chairmanship defaults to the senior trustee.""
Julian rapped his gold pen against the table.
""It is ten o'clock. The emergency meeting of the board of directors of Vale & Co. is officially in session. Item number one: The complete liquidation of the domestic artisan atelier and the immediate transfer of all manufacturing patents to the Zurich automated syndicate.""
""I call for the vote,"" the Swiss representative stated flatly.
""All those in favor?"" Julian asked, raising his hand with smug satisfaction.
Twelve hands rose around the table. Julian smiled, leaning back into his leather armchair.
""The motion carries by majority. The artisan workshop is officially dissolved.""
The double oak doors at the back of the boardroom were thrown open with a resounding bang.
Graham Vale strode into the room. He wore a crisp charcoal suit, his head held high, his stride radiating absolute authority. In his left hand, he carried a velvet-lined rosewood box.
And walking beside him, wearing a sharp, tailored black blazer over dark trousers, her hair pinned neatly, was Mara Keene.
May you like
Julian’s smile vanished, replaced by an irritated scowl. ""Graham, you are too late. The vote was called. The motion has already passed. And bringing this vagrant into another corporate proceeding will only ensure your immediate arrest.""
""The vote is null and void, Julian,"" Graham announced, his voice carrying like a crack of thunder across the silent room. ""And if anyone here is trespassing on corporate authority, it is you.""
