Chapter 11 - THE COMPANY FALLS
By the following morning, news of Reed Capital’s financial crisis had leaked.
Television networks reported missing money.
Anonymous sources claimed Mark had secretly moved company funds.
Stock prices collapsed.
Investors panicked.
Banks demanded answers.
Mark’s board called an emergency meeting.
Sarah watched him prepare to leave the safe house.
“You should not go.”
“If I do not, Richard wins without entering the building.”
“They could be waiting for you.”
“They probably are.”
Mark turned to Evan.
“Double security around Noah.”
Then he looked at Sarah.
“I trust you with him.”
Sarah nodded.
Mark hesitated.
“More than almost anyone.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he left.
The board meeting became a battlefield.
Several directors demanded Mark step aside.
One accused him of hiding financial losses.
Another produced documents showing Mark had personally authorized the missing transfers.
Mark recognized the signature immediately.
Forgery.
Then Richard entered.
Every person in the room went silent.
He wore a navy suit and carried a leather folder.
Mark stood.
“You are not allowed here.”
Richard smiled.
“I remain a shareholder.”
“You lost your voting rights.”
“Not anymore.”
He placed a document on the table.
A court petition.
Richard was challenging the Reed family trust.
His claim was simple.
Mark was financially incompetent.
Daniel was dead.
Noah’s legal relationship to the Reed family was being disputed.
Therefore, control of several family assets should temporarily transfer to the next qualified adult beneficiary.
Richard.
Mark stared at the petition.
“You planned every part of this.”
Richard smiled.
“I waited for every part of this.”
“You murdered Daniel.”
The board erupted.
Richard raised an eyebrow.
“That is a serious accusation.”
“The police are reopening the investigation.”
“Then let them investigate.”
Richard turned toward the directors.
“In the meantime, this company needs stability.”
Several board members looked uncertain.
Mark understood.
Richard did not need everyone to believe him.
He only needed them frightened enough to remove Mark.
Mark stood at the head of the table.
“My resignation will not happen.”
One director said, “Then we may vote.”
Before Mark could respond, his phone rang.
Sarah.
He answered immediately.
Her voice was shaking.
“Mark.”
“What happened?”
“Someone came for Noah.”
He turned away from the table.
“Is he safe?”
“Yes.”
Mark exhaled.
“Who?”
May you like
Sarah looked through the safe house window at the police car arriving outside.
“Dr. Benson.”
