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Amberth rose. “We’ve all seen the mess in the news. Our CEO creating anarchy in the streets. The reputation of this company is at stake here… and I’ve heard we’ve lost clients and vendors because of this debacle.” He looked square at Wilder. “Not to mention that you have been spending inordinate amounts of time dealing with personal issues and not leading this company as it should be led.”
“No one here has had issues arise in their lives that needed focus?” Wilder asked. “As I recall, you missed several key votes last year when your omega was ill, did you not?”
Amberth blanched before lifting an angry brow. “That is different. My actions didn’t lead us to losebusiness.”
“Vaughn has been stepping in for me over the past few weeks. Our daily work has not suffered.” Wilder understood he was grasping at straws. If the shoe was on another foot and he stood facing a CEO in his situation, he might decide the same. He had negatively impacted the business. Perhaps it was time to accept his fate.
“Business is business. We stand to lose billions if things continue like this,” Amberth said.
Warden rose. “I took this company public decades ago… when I needed an influx of cash to grow the business. I knew handing over some of my control might be dangerous, but I also hoped that your business acumen and new perspectives would drive us to new places I couldn’t imagine.” He eyed Amberth. “You have the largest share of the company outside myself, and I’ve learned that you don’t have the votes you think you do to oust my son. If you think your investment is at risk, I’m prepared to buy back your shares this very minute. You can walk away with a hefty sum and free yourself from the worry.” His father glanced around the long mahogany table. “That same offer is open to you all. If you want out, simply say the word.”
Wilder observed as his father pulled out his checkbook.
Warden lifted a pen and clicked the end. He looked at Amberth.“Name your price.”
Amberth stared at Warden and then looked to Wilder. “If you returned to helm this company, as you need to do, I would remain on the board. Supporting you as I did for decades, Warden.”
“I neglected to support one son and lost him. I won’t do it again. Wilder remains. If you can’t handle that, here’s your way out.” Warden slid some papers Amberth’s way. “I’ve already drawn up a contract.”
Amberth eyed the contract a moment, peering over every page. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. “If this is the way it has to be…” He tore a piece of paper from his notepad and jotted something down before sliding it to Warden.
His father opened the scrap of paper and nodded. “Agreed.”
Wilder sat back in stunned silence, watching as the contract was signed and a check handed over. Just like that, his father had the largest majority of shares. No one could contradict him. Not even Wilder.
Amberth rose to leave, opening his mouth for what was likely his parting words.
Before he could say a syllable, Vaughn swept into the room, almost out of breath. “I have something to share with the board.”
“You’re not a member. You can only sit to the side and listen,” Amberth said.
“You’re no longer a member, either,” Warden spat.
“Oh, I’m aware I’m not a member,” Vaughn chimed in. “But the head of the Green Trust is here and wanted to meet you all in person.”
As Wilder met his brother’s gaze, from the corner of his eye, he noticed the rest of the board looking amongst themselves and whispering. What had Vaughn done?
“Of course, bring them in,” Warden said.
The head of the Green Trust, Saddler Morgan, swept in, a grand smile on his face. Wilder rose, unnerved. He took a few steps closer, and Saddler offered a hand to shake. “So good to see you again, Wilder.”
“And you, Mr. Morgan,” Wilder said, shaking it.
“Please call me Saddler.” He frowned, concern on his face. “I hear your omega’s in the hospital. He’s okay, I hope?”
“He’s showing signs of improvement.”
“Wonderful to hear,” the man said, grinning. “I’m sure that’s a weight off your shoulders, seeing progress.”
“Indeed.” Wilder waved a hand toward his father. “This is Warden Jaymes, my father and our Chairman of the Board.”
“Wonderful to meet you,” Saddler said. He turned, focusing on Wilder. “I just wanted to come and tell you,in person, that the Green Trust has chosen your firm for our new Arc Project. We’ve been most impressed with your work as of late.”
“What work would that be?” Amberth asked. “He hasn’t been here much in weeks.”
“We’re all about progress at the Green Trust. Opening new doors and creating exciting opportunities. Wilder and his omega were instrumental in changing unjust laws and creating equal opportunities for all in this province. If he’s capable of that, what else might he be capable of doing? Our board of trustees is excited to see just what we can build together.”
Wilder met the man’s gaze and shook his offered hand again. “Thank you.”
