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“Yes,” Malcolm mumbled, avoiding his grandfather’s angry stare.
“Good. I’m glad we got that settled.” He looked to Malcolm and then to Leo. “I’d like to ask each of you to give a statement to the board why you should be the next chairman and CEO of Sutton Properties.”
The members adjusted their chairs and shuffled papers preparing for the challenge.
Malcolm leaned forward in his seat. Of course, he would expect to go first. It was also ideal for Leo’s plan.
“Good morning,” Malcolm greeted, flashing his phony smile. “I am the candidate best suited to lead this company into the next era. Expenses are skyrocketing, and with my background in finance, I am the one who can keep us profitable.” His tone was pompous and full of conceit. “James Sutton was a talented builder, but he was too willing to take financial risks to build the tallest hotel in Singapore or the most extravagant condominium in New York.”
Malcolm cast an eye around the table to everyone but Leo. “My father won many awards for his vision, but at what cost? Because of my father’s financial recklessness, this once-profitable company has suffered innumerable losses.”
Leo never took his eyes off Malcolm. How dare he speak about his father this way? Leo looked over at his grandfather, who aimed his angry glare atMalcolm. He was livid. Leo would let Malcolm finish before he pummeled him.
Malcolm continued, “I possess the talent to get this company back on track and do what is necessary to make us profitable again. I also have the courage to eliminate any rival who would be foolish enough to challenge Sutton properties.” He flashed a scowl at Leo. “Remember who I am—a true Sutton—who will lead this company into its next phase.”
The oldtrue Suttonthreat rang hollow. Malcolm was a coward who would lie, cheat, and steal to hold onto power. Leo burned with impatience to expose him.
Applause filled the room. Malcolm’s devotees were easy to spot because they were the most enthusiastic. The rest applauded politely but only briefly. Interesting. Malcolm did not have full support.
“Very well,” his grandfather said. “Thank you, Malcolm. Now, we’ll hear from Leo Sutton.” He gave Leo a nod.
Leo got to his feet and smoothed his tie. He took a deep breath to ease the tension coiled inside him. Everything came down to this one moment. He could not fail. “Thank you. For those of you who don’t know me personally, my name is Leo Sutton.”
Malcolm snickered, joined by a few of his minions.
“My name is Leo Sutton,” he repeated, keeping his eyes squarely on Malcolm. “I’m not here to debate my half brother,” he said, with a deliberate casual smile and a wave of his hand to Malcolm. He considered each board member, saying in a measured tone, “I’m here to take control of Sutton Properties.” The room buzzed with whispers. He paused until the noise settled. “Malcolm said my father was a talented builder, but he’s wrong. James Sutton was a genius. He was happiest when he worked on construction sites all over the world. The thrill of creating something daring can’t be found behind a desk.” He sent a sharp glance to Malcolm. “You need to be out in the field to get a sense of the environment and the people. I’m not a numbers expert. I design, build, and work with the crew who create the buildings.”
All eyes in the room were focused on him. So far, so good. He had everyone’s attention.
“To be honest, I’ve never been interested in the financial aspects of running a business, but it’s essential to being profitable. I want to acknowledge Malcolm’s ability to handle the financial arena.”
Malcolm smiled, glowing from the attention. Perfect. Just where he wanted him.
“I owe you an apology, Malcolm. I underestimated you.”
Malcolm was outright grinning, but his grandfather wasn’t. His brow was furrowed with worry. The buzz returned in the room.
“Let me explain. I underestimated Malcolm’s financial ability because he’s involved in all kinds of strategies to save the company money. Malcolm has amassed a fortune by cutting corners, using inferior materials, and hiring less qualified workers.”
The board members were now speaking out loud to each other, asking questions.
“Silence!” his grandfather thundered.
He waited until the room settled. “My father never cut corners or used inferior materials. And he sure as hell didn’t hire anyone but the best people.”
Malcolm prepared to stand.
“Sit down, Malcolm,” Leo growled. “I’m not finished.”
Malcolm threw himself back in the chair like a spoiled boy.
Leo opened his computer bag and withdrew the evidence of Malcolm’s crimes. He moved around the table, handing out a copy of a financial summary to each member. Malcolm was last. “You’ve been skimming money from these savings and tucking them away into your bank account.” Malcolm did a double take at Leo’s right eye. Take a good look, asshole. He wasn’t going to hide anymore.
“In this financial summary, you will see the names of vendors who were never paid, unusual checks paid to unknown employees, and other odd transactions. This activity coincides with your exorbitant salary increase which enabled you to start construction of your new home. You’ve also been campaigning to build a new Sutton building near your estate outside London. That’s an odd choice to make for a company that’s struggling and requires—how did you describe it? Oh, yes,” Leo said with a grin. “Your talent to get this company back on track.”
Malcolm got to his feet, his face red with rage. “These are lies.” He tore apart the summary and tossed it on the floor.
“I assure you, this is the truth.” Leo kept his voice calm, but inside he was fuming. “I have even more proof of your mismanagement and illegal activities.” Leo returned to his seat and focused his full attention on Malcolm. This was the moment he’d been waiting for. “It’s over, Malcolm. I’ve already sent copies of these documents to the authorities.”
