Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“This meeting is a farce,” he growls.
Leaning back slightly, I interlace my fingers in front of me, maintaining my composed demeanor. “It’s allowed under the bylaws,” I reply coolly. “And no one provided any objection once the meeting was noticed, also required by the bylaws. You didn’t even bother to object.” My eyes briefly meet each board member’s before settling back on my father, challenging him silently.
“I’m objecting now,” he says, slamming a fist down on the table. Uncle Terrance jumps in his seat.
I glance over at Christian Radcliffe, a non-voting member of the board who is here to advise us on legalities. I lift an eyebrow and he says, “If objection is not lodged within twenty-four hours of notice, it is deemed waived.”
My father mutters curses at his end of the table and I ignore him. “As you know, I noticed this meeting of the shareholders and I’d like the record to reflect that we have twelve members here today with voting privileges, which is a proper quorum.” It’s absolutely astounding to me that had my dad not shown up today, there would not have been enough people to allow for a vote but I know his ego wasn’t about to let him miss this. He thinks he’s going to be able to control everyone here.
“I am making a motion to remove Lionel Mardraggon from his role as chairman of the board and to prevent him from having any seat on this board of directors in either a voting or non-voting capacity. My reasoning is simple… he cannot be trusted to make good decisions for this company when he’s already shown to exhibit not only poor but reprehensible judgment. On top of that, our company cannot afford the damage to our reputation if we allow him to remain involved.”
Clara Bennett, our company’s chief financial officer and a third cousin of my father’s, with her steel-gray hair impeccably coiffed, eyes me with skepticism. Michael Forbes, the youngest board member, offers a nod of support, his sleek, modern look a contrast to Clara’s traditional attire. My eyes roam around the table and I note some folks look at me in support while others don’t meet my eyes at all.
“I oppose this move,” my father rumbles, standing from his chair and placing his hands on the table. “I am innocent until proven guilty and until such time as I’m able to show my innocence, I’m completely able to run this company. I plan on asking the court for more leniency on my house arrest so I can travel as needed. My attorneys expect that will be granted.”
I glance around, spreading my hands. “Anyone else agree with this?”
Clara bristles. “Gabe, your father helped build this empire. We shouldn’t dismantle his work over unproven accusations.”
“It’s about the company’s integrity,” I counter. “His alleged actions endanger everything we stand for.”
Michael leans forward, his hands clasped. “The public’s trust in us is at stake. Lionel’s continued leadership could irreparably damage our reputation.”
“But what of loyalty? Of family?” Clara retorts, her voice rising. “This is the Mardraggon legacy we’re talking about!”
“The legacy doesn’t excuse criminal behavior, Clara,” Michael interjects firmly. “Our allegiance is to the company first.”
“I’m innocent until proven guilty,” my father repeats in a booming voice in a manner that’s clear he means to quell the argument. The room buzzes with tension, members exchanging uneasy glances as they weigh the gravity of the decision and I start to see a triumphant glow in my father’s eyes because he thinks he’s in command.
But then all hell breaks loose as everyone starts arguing. No one is saying anything new or innovative, just regurgitation of what’s already been laid on the table. Fingers are pointed, voices are raised and harsh, and I merely sit back in my chair and watch it all.
This goes on for almost fifteen minutes and I don’t say a word. When people start to lose steam, I say, “I think everyone has had a chance to speak. I propose we vote on the removal of Lionel Mardraggon as CEO, given the severity of his charges.”
I call for the vote, my heart racing. “We’ll go around the room and record each vote. Aye if you’re in favor of removing Lionel Mardraggon as chairman of the board. Nay if you oppose. I’ll start. Aye.”
I look to my right and in turn, each member declares their stance in order.
Clara’s nay is adamant, but Michael’s aye is equally resolved.
By the time my father is adding his own nay, it’s clear we’re going to have a vacant position to fill. None of this is really a surprise to me as I’ve been working eight of the board members sitting here today hard. I came into this meeting knowing I’d get the simple majority, but it’s just icing on the cake seeing the stricken look on my father’s face when Uncle Terrance adds his own aye.