CHAPTER 9 — THE BOARDROOM COUP
CHAPTER 9 — THE BOARDROOM COUP
Calloway Tower was surrounded by reporters.
News helicopters circled overhead.
By the time Ethan, Luke, Olivia, and Detective Cole reached the building, Richard was already speaking to the board.
His face filled every lobby screen.
“My nephews are deeply unwell,” he told the cameras. “One is suffering from grief-induced delusions. The other is an imposter exploiting our family tragedy.”
Ethan walked through the lobby.
Employees stared.
Some raised their phones.
Others looked away in shame.
Security blocked the elevators.
Ethan recognized the acting chief.
“Move.”
“We’ve been ordered to deny you access.”
“By the man who kidnapped my family?”
“By the interim chairman.”
Luke stepped forward.
“I own forty-nine percent of this company.”
The guard smirked.
“You’re legally dead.”
Olivia moved beside him.
“Not anymore.”
She handed Detective Cole a court-certified emergency identity order obtained on the drive.
Luke Calloway had been legally recognized as alive.
The lobby erupted.
Reporters shouted questions.
The guards stepped aside.
They entered the boardroom at 9:06 a.m.
Richard sat at the head of the table.
Twelve directors surrounded him.
A forged transfer agreement lay before them.
Richard smiled calmly.
“What a dramatic entrance.”
Ethan threw the brass key onto the table.
“You tried to burn us alive for that.”
Richard looked at it.
“That key opens nothing of value.”
Luke placed both palms on the table.
“You held me prisoner for fifteen years.”
Richard sighed.
“I saved you from yourself.”
“You tortured me.”
“You were weak.”
Ethan’s fist tightened.
Richard noticed and smiled.
“Hit me in front of the board. Prove everything I said about you.”
Ethan forced himself to remain still.
Richard turned toward the directors.
“Luke is emotionally damaged. Ethan is irrational. The Calloway family needs stable leadership.”
Then the boardroom doors opened.
Their mother entered.
Every director stood.
Richard’s face finally changed.
She walked slowly to the table.
“You always were a poor liar, Richard.”
He stared at her.
“You’re dead.”
“So were both my sons, whenever it suited you.”
She placed a recorder on the table.
“For twelve years, I listened while doctors drugged me and you visited to brag.”
Richard’s voice hardened.
“A confused old woman’s accusations prove nothing.”
She pressed play.
Richard’s own voice filled the room.
Once Luke’s shares are mine, Ethan will be easy to control. If not, accidents happen. They already believe one coffin is full.
The directors stared at him.
Richard reached inside his jacket.
Detective Cole drew her weapon.
“Hands where I can see them!”
Richard didn’t pull a gun.
He pulled a small remote.
He pressed the button.
An explosion shook the building.
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The lights went out.
And from forty floors below came the sound of terrified screams.
