Chapter 93
Nick
I tossed the pencil aside and stood up without a word, heading for the boardroom. Abel nodded and walked beside me. I entered and observed those who I imagined were the people who had come to visit us: two men and a woman. One of our lawyers had already arrived.
“Good afternoon,” I said, approaching them to shake their hands. They introduced themselves as the International Transparency Committee. Serious problems.
“Mr. Garnett,” they spoke seriously and sat back down as I looked for my seat.
“Abel told me the reason for your visit,” I said, exhaling.
“We must inform you that an investigation has been opened against this company,” one of them explained. “The government of one of the countries involved changed its leader a few months ago, and he discovered the fraudulent contracts. We were notified of the fact.” I knew we couldn’t hide it forever, even though we had tried.
“According to these documents…” He gestured to several envelopes piled on the table.
“Garnett Morgan & Co. entered into these improper contracts for several years without being detected. Our role is to make these frauds visible to the governments of each country and thus ensure that the parties are brought before the relevant authorities p>
“We must inform you,” the woman spoke, “that you, Mr. Garnett, as representative and CEO of this company, will be the one linked to the investigation.” She finished, and I rubbed my face.
“After reviewing the documents and signatures, it is evident that it was Killian Garnett who entered into these contracts on behalf of Garnett Morgan,” our lawyer interjected. “I can confirm that no other member of the board was aware of these movements, which exempts the company from legal liability. And Nicholas Garnett…” The lawyer pointed to me. “…took over as CEO more than two years ago, at which time the contracts you mentioned ceased to be entered into,” he assured them. The three people exchanged glances, holding a silent conversation.
“In that case, counselor, your claims must be proven as evidence in the proceedings. In the meantime, Garnett Morgan and Mr. Nicholas will remain under investigation p>
I moved my head to release the tension in my neck. This could ruin us.
The conversation dragged on a little longer until they left. I just listened in silence, feeling anger coursing through me. Killian’s damn ambition.
“It will take time,” our lawyer commented, and I nodded. “Time that could be shortened if Killian admits he is guilty, leaving the company, you, and the partners out of all this.” He exhaled, putting his hands in his pockets.
“I’ll talk to him,” Abel said, and I looked at him.
“I think it would be useless,” I said, putting a hand on the table and tapping my fingers on it.
“We have to try. We’re about to lose everything. Thousands of employees will lose their jobs,” he crossed his arms and looked apprehensive.
“I’ll do it,” I said after a short silence.
Abel nodded and thanked me, patting me on the back.
I returned to my office and picked up the folder Alaia had brought. I decided I’d review it after I talked to Killian.
I found my car in the parking lot and drove to the house of the man who had only tried to destroy my life.
The security men gathered at the entrance as soon as they saw me. They must have remembered my last visit.
“Don’t be a coward,” I said, speaking into the intercom at the entrance. I heard Killian’s cynical laugh, and the men moved after hearing orders.
I entered the house and nodded to the butler p>
“In the study, sir,” he said, and I walked straight there.
“To what do I owe the honor of your visit, dear grandson?” Killian was in the chair with his back to me, looking out the window behind his desk.
I scoffed at his last words. “Come to open the accounts you closed, my accounts?” he asked ironically, and I saw the smoke from a cigar rise above his head.
“You know I didn’t,” I said, taking a few steps toward the desk.
“Then what have you come for?” The smoke got thicker.
“They discovered the fraudulent contracts you signed. The company you built is about to go under,” I spat out the words.
“And why should I care p>
“Everything you’ve built for so many years will be lost,” I clarified unnecessarily.
I saw his shoulders shake, and his laughter was heard.
“I’m giving you a chance to redeem yourself, Killian. To keep from tarnishing your family name, to make this discreet. A group of good lawyers…” I pressed my fists together. This could affect too many people who depended on the company.
He looked thoughtful.
“I couldn’t care less, Nicholas. Do you think I need you and the money I’ve stopped receiving? No, dear grandson. Crossing the legal line has its benefits. You can keep what little is left of Garnett Morgan. Although, you still have that little woman, the cause of all this,” he spat.
“Why do you hate her so much?” I asked, annoyed.
“I wanted a worthy heir, someone who looked exactly like me. I saw your potential from the time you were a child. I was sure you would be like me,” he exhaled smoke. “You rebelled, and yet I knew you would do whatever I asked until she showed up. Love turned you into a weakling, and you stopped being worthy in my eyes. I had to get you back on track and get rid of her. For a while, you managed to fool me, Nick, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that I got ahead of you and made you lose her anyway. I achieved your unhappiness, the p t for your betrayal p>
“You didn’t succeed. She’s mine again,” I said with satisfaction.
He nodded in the chair and laughed.
“Haven’t you wondered who exposed my ‘negotiations‘? I could bet my life it was your beloved Alaia p>
“Don’t you dare mention her name,” I demanded, not giving his words the slightest credence.
“Of course.” He scoffed. “You’re nothing but a disappointment to me, Nick.” He shook his head.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you for falling in love and choosing my own life,” I said ironically, “and not choosing the destiny that someone else prepared for me, regardless of my wishes,” I added, referring to him.
“You made your choice, now deal with it. I won’t lift a finger to save the companies if they can even be saved. Nor will I plead guilty. You’ll have to take care of that on your own,” he said arrogantly, and I shook my head in annoyance.
I decided to stop wasting my time with him. I turned around and slammed the door shut.
I strode out of the house and back to my car.
My phone rang as soon as I got into the driver’s seat. I frowned when I saw it was Martin. It wasn’t common for him to call at this hour.
“Martin,” I spoke into the speakerphone.
“Nick,” he said quickly.
“I’m listening,” I said, feeling my body tense.
“Your father, he moved both hands, and his eyes are responding to stimuli.” I felt a wave of emotion wash over me.
“I’m on my way,” I said and hung up to dial Alaia’s number.
“Honey,” she answered, and I could hear her smile. She was the peace in my storms.
“My father has shown more responses to the treatment,” I said quickly after hearing her.
“Oh, honey, that’s wonderful.” I could feel her emotion, and I smiled.
“I’ll get the plane ready and go right away p>
“Of course. Do you want me to go with you?” she asked.
“No, I’ll be back tomorrow. I don’t want our kids to stop seeing us so much. We just got back from our trip,” I explained, thinking of their little faces.
“Okay, just keep me posted p>
“I will. Give the kids a goodnight kiss and tell them Daddy will be back tomorrow. I love you p>
“I love you,” she replied. I hung up and sped up a little on the way to the airport.
I took the flight, and my anxiety only grew.
I ran my hand through my hair and tried not to get my hopes up about my father. I didn’t want to be disappointed to learn that what happened tonight would be all we had.
Suddenly, my eyes fell on the papers Alaia had taken to my office. I picked them up, trying to find a distraction from my thoughts.
I started reading and couldn’t understand why she had this information.
“Haven’t you wondered who exposed my ‘negotiations‘? I could bet my life it was your beloved Alaia.” Killian’s words echoed in my mind.
I shook my head and set the folder aside, massaging my temple, feeling a sharp headache. I stayed there staring into space, lost in my thoughts.
I arrived in Seattle and rented a car that took me quickly to my father’s house. I decided to focus on him for now.
I shielded myself from the rain as best I could and entered the house. I looked towards my father’s room, which had the lights on. I hurried up the stairs two at a time.
I entered, and beside the bed, I saw Martin with the nurse. They were both looking at my father and having a quiet conversation. They both turned around when they sensed my presence and stepped aside, allowing me to see my father.
“Dad,” I said almost instinctively, and walked towards him.
“Son p>
My body froze.