Chapter 5 - THE DOUBLE BATTLE
Friday arrived in a blur of rain and tension. The Westfield Systems board meeting was scheduled for 4:00 PM at the corporate headquarters in downtown Seattle. The school showcase in Portland was scheduled for 6:00 PM.
In Seattle, Marcus Vance sat at the head of the polished mahogany conference table, surrounded by stern-faced investors and board members.
"As you can see," Vance declared, pointing to a slide presentation, "Mr. Vane’s prolonged absence and neglect of core operations have threatened our stock stability. I move for an immediate vote of no confidence."
"Before you take that vote, Marcus," a deep voice echoed from the wall-mounted telepresence screen.
The room went silent as Nathan’s face filled the high-definition display. He was sitting in a quiet room at the Portland community center, wearing a sharp suit, looking completely relaxed and entirely in control.
"Nathan," Vance sneered. "You couldn't even bother to show up in person to defend your crown?"
"I don't need to defend what is mine, Marcus," Nathan said smoothly. He gestured off-screen, and Sarah distributed a thick packet of documents to every board member in Seattle. "While you were busy counting my absent days, I closed the acquisition of Apex Global—the single largest deal in our company's history. The contracts were signed an hour ago."
Gasps echoed around the boardroom. Apex Global was the holy grail of tech acquisitions, a deal Vance had claimed was impossible.
"Furthermore," Nathan continued, his voice cut like glass, "I have uncovered evidence of unauthorized trading from Marcus Vance’s personal accounts over the past three months. Securities fraud, Marcus. The SEC has already been notified."
Vance’s face drained of color as security guards entered the Seattle boardroom to escort him out.
"Now, gentlemen," Nathan said to the remaining stunned board members. "I am appointing Sarah as interim Executive Vice President. I will continue to serve as CEO, but my primary office will be operating out of Portland. If anyone has an objection, you may sell your shares now."
Silence met his words.
"Good. Meeting adjourned." Nathan cut the feed.
He stepped out of the room into the crowded auditorium just as the lights dimmed. He took his seat next to Lydia, holding her hand tightly.
On stage, Nora stepped up to the microphone, her small hands holding her notebook. She looked out into the crowd, spotted Nathan and Lydia sitting together, and smiled.
May you like
"This poem is called 'The Missing Piece,'" Nora read softly into the microphone. "For a long time, our house had three little girls and one strong mom. We had everything we needed. But tonight, the missing piece came home. And now our picture is complete."
Beside him, Nathan felt Lydia’s tears on his shoulder, and for the first time in seven years, he felt completely whole.
