The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 221

Orion

The boardroom felt electric with tension as everyone took their seats around the mahogany conference table. I could see the uncertainty in the faces of board members who had worked with Devan and Charles for years—their expressions seemed to ask, "Are you really going to go through with this?"

But I'd made my decision the moment they'd targeted Aveline. This was the perfect time to strike, riding high on our federal contract victory when most of the board would be firmly in my corner.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I began once everyone was seated, "I want to start by acknowledging that our successful bid for the Artery of the Future project represents a collective triumph. Your support and dedication made this historic win possible."

Polite applause filled the room, though I noticed Devan and Charles clapping with the kind of forced enthusiasm usually reserved for their own funeral arrangements.

"However," I continued, letting my voice harden, "I believe everyone witnessed the obstacles we faced during this critical process. Some individuals actively worked to sabotage our chances at the most important moment."

The room fell silent. You could have heard a pin drop on the carpet.

I fixed my gaze directly on my targets. "Devan, Charles—I won't mince words. In front of federal officials, at the moment of our greatest triumph, you attempted to destroy not just my reputation, but our entire company's chances. You placed your personal vendettas above the welfare of this organization and every employee who depends on it."

Their faces were already darkening, but I was just getting started.

"The time has come to honor our agreement. According to the terms you both accepted, you'll now voluntarily resign from your positions and surrender your equity stakes. I expect you to fulfill this commitment in front of everyone present."

Devan's attempt at paternal authority was almost laughable. "Now, Orion, my dear nephew, we brought you gifts tonight as a gesture of reconciliation. Surely we can let bygones be bygones? Family should forgive family, don't you think?"

My smile was razor-sharp. "Unfortunately, our family ties aren't strong enough to make me ignore what's best for this company. Your departure is essential for our continued growth and success."

"You arrogant little—" Devan started, his face turning purple.

"Of course," I interrupted smoothly, "if you were willing to turn over Dwayne to face justice for his crimes, I might consider showing you some mercy."

Before Devan could explode, Charles intervened with a calculating laugh.

"Orion, don't be naive. A 'gentleman's wager' between us? That's children playing games. Besides, you can't simply strip us of our positions on a whim. Director appointments and removals require legitimate shareholder votes through proper legal channels. And our equity stakes are private property, protected by law."

The room buzzed with murmurs. Several board members glanced between us, clearly wondering how I'd respond to this legal challenge.

I smiled, because I'd been expecting exactly this response. Today wasn't really about their stock holdings anyway—I knew they'd never be stupid enough to just hand those over. But what I could do was strip them of all power and influence within this company.

I snapped my fingers, and Marcus immediately entered with a thick legal document.

The collective intake of breath from the board members was audible.

"You're absolutely correct," I said with calm satisfaction. "Your equity is indeed private property that I cannot confiscate. So let's proceed according to our corporate governance and legal framework."

I accepted the document from Marcus and opened it ceremoniously.

"I'd like to direct everyone's attention to Article 15, Section 3 of our corporate charter," I announced, reading from the bylaws. "'Any director found to have engaged in conduct materially detrimental to the company's interests may be immediately removed from their position by majority vote of the board of directors.'"

I looked around the room, making eye contact with each member.

"I hereby formally propose the immediate removal of Devan Blackwell and Charles Ashford from their positions as directors of this corporation. All in favor, please raise your hands."

Now it was Devan and Charles's turn to look genuinely afraid. They began frantically whispering to the few board members who still seemed sympathetic to their cause.

But I wasn't finished building my case.

"Let me remind everyone what you witnessed over the past few weeks," I said, my voice growing stronger and more passionate. "You saw our stock price manipulated and attacked. You saw our company's reputation threatened by coordinated media campaigns. You watched as I fought through every obstacle they placed in my path."

I stood up, commanding the room's complete attention.

"You were there when they made their final desperate attempt to destroy us at the federal presentation—in front of Commerce Secretary Thompson himself! They were willing to sacrifice a ten billion dollar contract, willing to throw away the financial security of every employee in this company, just to settle their personal grudges against me."

Several board members were nodding now, remembering the humiliation of that moment.

"You know who's proven capable of leading this company to unprecedented success. You know who has the vision, the connections, and the resources—including my wife's considerable assets—to secure our future. And you know exactly what Devan and Charles represent: outdated thinking, personal vendetta, and active sabotage."

My voice rose to its crescendo.

"So I ask you now—who do you trust to protect your investments? Who do you believe will deliver the returns you deserve? The CEO who just secured the largest federal contract in our company's history, or two bitter old men who tried to destroy it all?"

The effect was immediate and devastating. Even the board members who had been whispering with Devan and Charles now turned away from them, their expressions resolute.

"The motion is on the table," I announced. "All in favor of removing Devan Blackwell and Charles Ashford from their director positions, please raise your hands."

The response was swift and decisive. Hand after hand went up around the table. Margaret Chen from our largest institutional investor. Robert Martinez from the pension fund. Even longtime family friend Harrison Wetherby raised his hand with obvious reluctance but unmistakable conviction.

When the count was finished, only Devan, Charles, and two of their most loyal allies had refrained from voting. The margin was overwhelming: twelve votes in favor, four against.

I savored the moment as their faces went from purple to gray with the realization of their complete defeat.

"Motion carried," I announced with satisfaction. "Effective immediately, Devan Blackwell and Charles Ashford are hereby removed from all director positions within this corporation. While you retain your equity stakes as shareholders, you no longer possess any decision-making authority, board privileges, or operational influence within this company."

I paused, letting the full weight of their humiliation sink in.

"Congratulations, gentlemen. You've successfully transformed yourselves from power brokers into passive investors whose only remaining relationship with this company is waiting for dividend checks—assuming, of course, that we choose to distribute them."

The silence in the room was absolute. Charles looked like he'd aged ten years in the past five minutes. Devan was gripping the edge of the table so hard his knuckles had gone white.

"Security will escort you from the building," I added with false courtesy. "Please ensure you return all company property, access cards, and confidential materials by tomorrow morning."

As they sat there in stunned defeat, I allowed myself one final smile.

"Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure doing business with you."