Saved by the Rancher - By Jennifer Ryan Page 0,126
David, he simply stared at the table, his face red with fury, his hands fisted. An animal tensing, ready to pounce.
“Mr. Jamison. Mr. Richards. It would please me very much if you’d remain on the board. I believe that together we can work toward our common goals. Mr. Shaw has told me a lot about the both of you, and I feel we could make a good team.”
Both a little shell-shocked, they agreed to stay on.
“You can’t really mean to run this company. You have absolutely no business skills.”
“David, are you really this stupid? I have a degree in computer graphics and programming. I’ve taken over your company without you, or this company, being any the wiser. You’re right, though. I’m not going to run this company. I’m appointing Cameron Shaw as president. He’ll take over running the company immediately. I’m also changing the charter for the board, so this kind of thing won’t happen again. In the future, majority holder will need a majority vote from the board of directors to earn the CEO position. They’ll have a seat on the board, but they need to be voted in as CEO. So if you think you and your family can pull your resources and gain back the majority and the company, you’re wrong. By the looks of your parents and grandfather, I’d say you’d have a hard time convincing them to back you.”
“I’ll make you regret this.”
She recognized the menacing tone. One he knew she’d understand from their many past encounters.
“Watch what you say. We’re surrounded by witnesses. You’ve dug this hole for yourself and taken all of your family down with you. Don’t make this any worse. For yourself or them.”
Nathan Merrick, with no choice but to accept the inevitable, stood with his wife, came around the table and stopped in front of her. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but having them embraced her was not what she’d anticipated.
“I’m sorry we didn’t help you. I’m sorry we didn’t know what’s happened ever since. We . . . I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say.” Nathan’s stoic face transformed into a mask of disappointment and regret.
“There’s nothing to say. I don’t blame you. David’s the only one responsible.”
They walked from the room without looking back at their son.
Charles stood and came to her next, holding the documents she’d given to him. “I’ll clear my office in a few days. I think I’ll take a long overdue vacation, someplace warm. I’ve been meaning to do some fishing.”
“That sounds wonderful. Enjoy your retirement, Charles. You’ve served this business gallantly. I only hope Cameron and I can carry on in the same professional and respectful manner with which you’ve always conducted yourself.”
“I have no doubt you’ll handle things. You made a wise choice in Cameron. To tell you the truth, in other circumstances, he’d be my first choice as well.” Charles nodded his approval to Cameron with a satisfied grin.
“I thought you’d see it that way.” She smiled softly for him. She’d always liked Charles.
“You’re a very brilliant woman. I’m sorry I didn’t see that before and use it to my advantage.” He gave her a smile and a hug. “I am sorry. I should have realized . . . Well, what is there to say now, but it shouldn’t have happened. Take care of yourself and the babies you’re carrying. Perhaps you’ll keep in touch and let me know how you’re doing. Maybe you’ll need my professional opinion and expertise in the future.”
“I’ll be in touch. You can count on it.”
Charles left with Mr. Jamison and Mr. Richards. They were setting up a golf date, if Jenna heard them right. Jenna nodded to Sam and he left the room.
“You’re still here, David? Security will show you out. I’ll have your desk packed up and your things forwarded to you.”
“Do you really think I’ll just walk away from this?”
“You don’t have a choice. It’s done. I’m going home with Jack. Cameron and I run the company now. There’s nothing you can do about it. Follow your grandfather’s example and accept defeat like a gentleman.”
“I’ll never accept this. You’ll pay for this, and you know it. You know what I can do to you. What I will do to you.”
“David, go before you make things worse. Jack has sat quietly and patiently, even though he wants to rip you apart. He did that for me. If you don’t go, I’m afraid he won’t be patient much longer. It also appears