Part 5: The trap in the boardroom.
Part 5: The trap in the boardroom.
The ninety-fifth floor of the Bennett Tower overlooked the entire skyline of Chicago. At 8:45 AM, the executive boardroom was already filled with the company's major shareholders, board members, and senior executives.
Richard Bennett strolled into the room wearing a tailored navy suit, carrying an aura of supreme confidence. He greeted the board members with practiced charm, pouring himself a cup of espresso at the side table.
"Good morning, everyone," Richard said smoothly, taking his seat at the head of the long glass table. "I’m not entirely sure why Uncle Arthur called this emergency meeting on such short notice, but as you know, his health has been delicate lately. We must be prepared to handle corporate affairs if he decides to step down."
Several board members nodded in agreement. Richard smiled secretly into his coffee cup. He had spent years cultivating these men, bribing them with stock options and promises of power once he took full control.
At precisely 9:00 AM, the heavy double doors of the boardroom opened.
Arthur Bennett walked in. He did not look frail, nor did he look like a grieving old man. He walked with a posture as rigid as iron, wearing his dark charcoal suit.
Holding his right hand tightly was seven-year-old Leo. The boy was clean, his dark hair neatly combed, wearing a tailored toddler-sized suit. Around his neck, resting proudly against his white shirt, was the rusted copper key.
Richard’s smile froze instantly. His coffee cup hovered halfway to his mouth as his eyes landed on the child. A subtle twitch appeared near his left eye.
"Uncle Arthur," Richard said, quickly regaining his composure and standing up. "What is the meaning of this? Why have you brought a child to a closed-door executive meeting?"
Arthur didn't answer right away. He helped Leo sit down in the chair right beside the head of the table, making sure the boy was comfortable. Then, Arthur stood at the head of the room, looking down at Richard.
"Members of the board," Arthur announced, his voice echoing with absolute authority. "I would like to introduce you to the majority heir of Bennett Industries—my grandson, Leo Bennett."
A loud wave of whispers erupted across the room. Board members leaned in, staring at the boy in shock.
Richard let out a forced, condescending laugh. "Uncle, please! Are you out of your mind? You pick up a random street kid and claim he's Julian's son? Julian died eight years ago without an heir! This is absurd!"
"Is it, Richard?" Arthur asked calmly. He pulled a thick document from his leather briefcase and threw it onto the center of the glass table. "Because the DNA test results completed two hours ago by the state lab confirm a 99.9% match. Leo is Julian’s legitimate son."
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Richard’s face paled, but he sneered. "Even if he is, you can't just hand corporate voting rights to a child! He knows nothing about running a business!"
"He doesn't need to run it today," Arthur replied coldly. "He only needs to own it. But more importantly, Richard... we are not here today to discuss Leo's inheritance. We are here to discuss your treason."
