Page 14 of The Forbidden

“I oppose this move,” my father rumbles, standing from his chair and placing his hands on the table. “I am innocent until proven guilty and until such time as I’m able to show my innocence, I’m completely able to run this company. I plan on asking the court for more leniency on my house arrest so I can travel as needed. My attorneys expect that will be granted.”

I glance around, spreading my hands. “Anyone else agree with this?”

Clara bristles. “Gabe, your father helped build this empire. We shouldn’t dismantle his work over unproven accusations.”

“It’s about the company’s integrity,” I counter. “His alleged actions endanger everything we stand for.”

Michael leans forward, his hands clasped. “The public’s trust in us is at stake. Lionel’s continued leadership could irreparably damage our reputation.”

“But what of loyalty? Of family?” Clara retorts, her voice rising. “This is the Mardraggon legacy we’re talking about!”

“The legacy doesn’t excuse criminal behavior, Clara,” Michael interjects firmly. “Our allegiance is to the company first.”

“I’m innocent until proven guilty,” my father repeats in a booming voice in a manner that’s clear he means to quell the argument. The room buzzes with tension, members exchanging uneasy glances as they weigh the gravity of the decision and I start to see a triumphant glow in my father’s eyes because he thinks he’s in command.

But then all hell breaks loose as everyone starts arguing. No one is saying anything new or innovative, just regurgitation of what’s already been laid on the table. Fingers are pointed, voices are raised and harsh, and I merely sit back in my chair and watch it all.

This goes on for almost fifteen minutes and I don’t say a word. When people start to lose steam, I say, “I think everyone has had a chance to speak. I propose we vote on the removal of Lionel Mardraggon as CEO, given the severity of his charges.”

I call for the vote, my heart racing. “We’ll go around the room and record each vote. Aye if you’re in favor of removing Lionel Mardraggon as chairman of the board. Nay if you oppose. I’ll start. Aye.”

I look to my right and in turn, each member declares their stance in order.

Clara’s nay is adamant, but Michael’s aye is equally resolved.

By the time my father is adding his own nay, it’s clear we’re going to have a vacant position to fill. None of this is really a surprise to me as I’ve been working eight of the board members sitting here today hard. I came into this meeting knowing I’d get the simple majority, but it’s just icing on the cake seeing the stricken look on my father’s face when Uncle Terrance adds his own aye.

The last vote is recorded and I stand from my chair. “The vote is carried. Lionel Mardraggon has been removed as chairman of the board. I’ll now ask that you vacate this room immediately.”

My father’s icy eyes pin to me and within those depths, I can see the promise of murder. If I had any doubts about his ability to harm Sylvie, they’re completely demolished now. Shoulders stiff and spine still ramrod straight, my father strides from the boardroom without a backward glance. There’s a collective sigh of relief and the tension seems to dissipate.

“I’d like to make a motion to name Gabe Mardraggon as the new chairman of the board for Mardraggon Enterprises.” This comes from my uncle Terrance and was not unexpected either. He and I have spoken several times over the past two weeks about this well-planned takeover event.

There’s some argument—mostly from Clara—but eventually a vote carries, and I’m installed as the new chairman. We have other matters to attend to, namely filling my position as COO, and that ends up going to Michael. When the meeting concludes, Clara storms out but everyone else is at peace with the decision, even the other two who voted with my dad and Clara. We shake hands and plan another meeting tomorrow to discuss this company’s future.

The room empties and I’m left alone. I walk to the windows and gaze out to the streets of downtown Frankfort, contemplating the monumental task ahead of rebuilding the legacy and the bridge between past and future. I don’t have an ounce of guilt or regret doing that to my father—his betrayal to our family was far worse. The burn of fury that he tried to kill his own granddaughter—Alaine’s daughter and my niece—hasn’t lessened since I found that prescription pad in his office and realized what was going on.

Pulling my phone from my inside jacket pocket, I dial my attorney. “I need an amendment to Sylvie’s trust. Remove the reversion clause in its entirety.”

His hesitation is palpable, even through the phone. “Gabe, are you certain? If Sylvie were to pass, the financial implications…”

Rubbing a hand at the back of my neck, I turn from the windows. “I’m aware, but Sylvie’s sense of security is more important. It’s about doing what’s right, not what’s profitable.”

There’s a very long beat of silence and I’m sure I’ve shocked him. I doubt he’s ever heard a Mardraggon choose to do what was right over profit. Finally, he makes a sound of reluctance but says, “All right, Gabe. I’ll prepare it.”

As I end the call, the weight of my decision settles in. It’s a move away from the Mardraggons’ ruthless legacy.

A shift in my own personal business style.

A step toward something better for Sylvie.

Maybe for all of us.

CHAPTER 7

Kat

“He’s a little antsy,” Trey says, his voice flecked with worry as I stand calmly on the mounting block. My left hand holds Shadow’s reins at the base of his neck, my right hand on his saddle. The big horse tosses his head and shifts his front legs.

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