IAN’S POV.
I checked my wristwatch and it was 2:58p. m, Just then, John Mark, one of the oldest member of board walked into the room.
“Hope I’m not late.” He asked while having his seat.
I smiled and nodded. “You’re right on time.” I replied. “Since we are all here, we should begin.”
I had the VIP restaurant meeting room rented out just for this meeting-an exclusive setting for what I hoped would be a pivotal turning point. I could feel their eyes on me as I stood, glass in hand.
“First off, thank you all for making it here despite the short notice,” I began in a humble and firm tone. “I know this is a bit unexpected, but we have a lot to discuss.”
I paused, letting my words sink in, scanning the faces of the men who had worked closely with my father over the years.
“We all know how my father treated each and every one of you,” I continued, looking around the room. “He made sure you were taken care of, respected, and that your voices mattered.”
A few of them nodded in agreement to my words.
“Now, we’ve all seen the changes since his passing. But what I don’t understand is why you’re allowing a woman born out of wedlock to continue his legacy,” I said, my tone deep and sharp. “Saraya doesn’t deserve to carry the torch. She’s not fit to lead this company!” I declared.
A few of the directors exchanged uncomfortable glances. They are used to this direct approach, but I could tell what they were thinking.
“I know Alex and Arlan have been pushing their decisions on you all with their shares,” I went on, locking eyes with them. “But how long are you going to let them walk all over you? If my father were still alive, he’d die of shame seeing what’s happening to the company he sacrificed his life for. And now that he’s gone, I’m sure he and my mother are turning in their graves.”
I could feel the tension building as they murmured among themselves. I wasn’t going to let up.
“And it’s not just business,” I continued, taking out my phone. “Look at this.”
I showed them the video, and the room fell silent as they watched Arlan and Saraya kissing. The shock was palpable.
“There it is,” I said, my voice cool and collected. “Saraya has been sleeping with Arlan to keep his vote. Is this who you want leading the company?”
Most of them looked away, discomfort written on their faces. But I kept my eyes on them.
“Let me ask you this,” I pressed. “Will you allow someone with such loose morals to run a reputable company like Newman’s Empire? Because I sure as hell won’t.”
I watched them carefully, letting the words sink in. They couldn’t ignore it now as their actual gesture caved in towards me as expected.
“I’m calling for her impeachment,” I declared, leaning forward. “But I need your help. Without your support, this won’t happen. We need to act fast.”
John Mark, a longtime friend of my father’s and one of the older directors, shifted uneasily in his seat. “It’s not going to be easy with Alex’s influence,” he said, his voice low.
I leaned in with a smirk. “Oh, but it’s already been done. Alex collapsed when he found out about Arlan and Saraya’s affair.”
The room went dead silent. Every one of them was hanging on my next words.
“The news is being kept under wraps but trust me,” I said with a air of confidence. “This is our best shot. If we act now, we can take back control.”
The directors exchanged glances. I could see the doubt start to lift from their faces as they realized the gravity of the situation.
“I’m not asking for your loyalty just yet,” I said, my tone casual. “Let me prove myself worthy of your loyalty but first you need to support me by taking action against this loose and incompetent CEO who is like a plague ravaging our hard work.”
The air in the room became thick with tension, but there was a spark of realization in their eyes. They knew what had to be done.
“Well,” Gregor Dunsford, another director who’d been in the business for decades, said slowly, “You’ve certainly given us a lot to think about.”
“I’m glad,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Now, let’s make it happen.”
As I spoke, I could see the pieces starting to fall into place. They were on board. It was just a matter of making the move.
*
I walked through the front door of the Newman’s mansion with a smile plastered across my face. The meeting had gone exactly as I hoped. The directors are all on my side now, and I could already picture Saraya’s downfall. The mere thought of her downfall made me excited.
As I made my way down the hall, a voice familiar called from upstairs, startling me.
“Ian, is today really a day you ought to be all smiles?”
It was my grandmother. Of course.
I froze for a second, then quickly composed myself. “You gave me a scare, Grandma,” I told her.
My grandmother’s voice came again. “Your scare came from your actions, not from me.”
I rolled my eyes, even though I know she could see me. “It’s been a long day for me, Grandma. I’d like to rest.”
She didn’t miss a beat. “You’ll rest when we’re back.”
I raised an eyebrow, confused. “Back from where?”
My grandmother didn’t answer me, rather she began to descended slowly from the stairs. I noticed she was all dressed in a flowing gown apparel.
There was something about her face that screamed disappointment but I could not be bothered. I won’t let her ruin my mood.
“How can you forget your own parents’ death anniversary?” she asked.
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. I blinked, momentarily stunned.
“I-” I started, my mind racing. “I… I can’t believe I forgot.” I admitted.
My grandmother’s gaze softened, but only slightly. “You should know better by now, Ian.” She reached the bottom of the stairs and stood in front of me, her posture poised as always. “We’ll be going to the gravesite. We haven’t visited them together in years, we should do that today.”
I let out a long breath, trying to shake off the excitement from the meeting. “I’ll go,” I said quietly, the smile that had been there moments ago fading.
My grandmother eyes softened just a little more, though her voice remained firm.
I nodded, unable to argue with her logic. I hadn’t realized how quickly I’d let the business take over my mind, forgetting about my parents remembrance.
It’s funny how I met with people who used to work with my late parents yet none remembered their death day but I couldn’t bring myself blame anyone as I forgot as well.
I was so engrossed with my plans of usurping Saraya I had lost sight of their remembrance.
“I’ll be ready in a minute,” I said, a bit quieter as guilt filled my heart.
My grandmother gave me a nod, then turned to leave the room. “Make it quick,” she called back without looking at me, the sound of her footsteps receding.
I quickly dashed into my room to have a change of clothes. “What a perfect timing! I have a lot to tell you both anyways.” I said as I change into a pair of black suit.