Chapter 4 - THE CORPORATE THREAT
Just as the domestic life began to take root, Nathan’s past came roaring back from Seattle.
Marcus Vance, Nathan’s ruthless chief operating officer and long-time rival within Westfield Systems, had caught wind of Nathan’s extended absence. Seeing an opportunity to execute a hostile takeover, Vance began spreading rumors among the major shareholders that Nathan had suffered a mental breakdown and was unfit to lead the multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
"They're calling an emergency board meeting for Friday," Nathan’s loyal assistant, Sarah, reported over a secure video line. "Vance has rallied the board. If you aren't here in person to present the Q3 restructuring plan, they’re going to vote you out as CEO."
Nathan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. The meeting was in forty-eight hours. But Friday was also the night of the triplets' school talent showcase—their very first public performance, where Clara was displaying her paintings, Nora was reading a poem, and Sophie was performing a violin duet.
"Let them vote," Nathan said cold-heartedly.
"Nathan, are you insane?" Sarah gasped. "You built this company from a garage! It's worth billions!"
"I spent seven years building a company and lost my family," Nathan replied calmly. "I’m not making that trade again."
When Lydia overheard the conversation from the hallway, she walked into the study. "You have to go to Seattle, Nathan."
"No," he said firmly. "I promised Clara I wouldn't leave. I promised all of them."
"Nathan, listen to me," Lydia said, coming to sit across from him. "I left you seven years ago because you couldn't balance your work and your life. If you run away from your responsibilities now, you’re just swinging to the other extreme. Prove to them—and to yourself—that you can protect what you’ve built and be the father they deserve."
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Nathan looked at her, seeing the brilliant, resilient woman he had fallen in love with a decade ago. She wasn't pushing him away; she was standing by his side.
"I have a plan," Nathan said, a slow, calculated smile spreading across his face—the look of a CEO who had never lost a battle he truly cared to win. "And Vance isn't going to see it coming."
