Page 160 of Road to Redemption

Waving to my father’s — now former — assistant, I shook my head. “Cathy, that won’t be necessary.”

A few others stepped forward, ready to move on me.

But Spencer and Leo trained their pistols on them immediately.

Leo’s voice was a growl. “Wouldn’t be very wise.”

“We’ve dropped a few bodies today, all warmed up. Right, Major?” Spencer laughed.

The men backed off.

Pursing my lips, I leaned against the glass table at the center of the room and looked into each of their sniveling faces. “There will not be a vote of no confidence today.”

“What are you—” Bernard pushed again.

Slamming my hand into the table, I pointed at him. “It’s enough, Bernard. Sit. Down.” His eyes went wide, knowing he was backed into a corner. And then I met my Viper’s green eyes. “With the majority shares, Ms. Tierney and I have agreed that I will succeed as the CEO and Chairman of Zeus Industries.”

Scoffing, Mr. Talbott shook his head. “You’re a fucking murderer. Killed your own father in broad daylight. This will never stand! We’ll expose you!”

“My father has taken an extended leave.” I met his gaze with a laugh. “But I seem to have some papers that would say you were at Isaac Dumont’s estate in 2005, Mr. Talbott. Isn’t that right? You made a few orders, if I recall correctly.”

Turning to each member of the board, I recounted the blackmail I’d uncovered from all of their years in service to my father. “Good luck calling the feds. You’ve left quite the paper trail, and I’m sure they’d love to see what you all got up to when you thought no one was looking.”

Stunned, the board members looked like deer in the headlights of an eighteen wheeler.

I snapped my fingers, meeting Spencer’s dark gaze. “But someone was looking, weren’t they?”

“All of those women and children. Each and every one of them.” Spencer spoke through gritted teeth.

“Right. They never forgot. And I’m sure the ones who survived would love to tell the truth.” Clicking my tongue, I tapped the table. “Oh right, they tried. And each of you silenced them. Didn’t you?”

Heads fell into palms, devastation hitting all of them as they realized their lives would be ruined.

Smiling, I stood up straight. “Or, I could help you. See, I have all the evidence I’d need to force you all into a jail cell. One click of a button and it would be done. Your homes would be raided by dawn.

“Unless… you’re willing to cut a deal.”

Bernard hissed. “What do you want, you sick fucking brat?”

“All of you will walk out of here, right now. Dissolve your shares and cede total control. And I won’t release the treasure trove I’m sitting on. You’ll retire comfortably and save your reputations.”

Before they could speak, Spencer pulled out folders of paperwork from the back of her combat pants. She placed a folder on the table in front of each board member. From the door, Leo kept her hands on her pistols.

Next to me, Kiera’s chest heaved with anxiety. This was our last chance.

Mrs. Evans was the first to sign, eager to sign away her responsibility.

The rest followed, one by one each of them signed their names to the agreement.

Over the intercom, I called for security. In a matter of seconds, enough guards to empty the board room appeared. Leo opened the doors for them.

“All of them. Get them out of here, strip their security clearances. No office clearing.” I nodded.

Without question, the guards did as I said.

I watched as they were shepherded to the elevators, like scared cattle. Once the room was empty, I took my seat at the head of the table.

A woman appeared from a long hallway, her gray bob bouncing as she swept into the room. My mother wore a gray pantsuit, scoping up the folders from each board members’ seat. “Well played, my dear.”