Chapter 3 - The Boardroom Panic
Two weeks later, the atmosphere inside Trent Investments was toxic.
Harrison stood at the head of the boardroom table, his tie loosened, his face flushed with anger. Across from him sat Richard Dupont, looking unimpressed. Vanessa sat beside her father, checking her manicured nails.
"What do you mean the Montgomery properties aren't selling?" Richard demanded, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "The widow died two weeks ago. The estate should be in chaos. This was our window to swoop in, acquire the riverfront blocks, and begin the demolition for the commercial towers. I put up twenty million in capital for this exact acquisition, Harrison."
"I know, Richard," Harrison said, pacing the length of the room. "But the estate isn't in chaos. The old woman's lawyers are locking us out. We reached out to the step-nephew, Julian, assuming he inherited it and would want a quick cash out, but he claims he was cut out of the will."
"Then who has the properties?" Vanessa asked, looking up, mildly annoyed that her future husband was showing signs of incompetence.
"We don't know," Harrison gritted his teeth. "The primary beneficiary is listed under a blind LLC—Phoenix Holdings. They aren't returning my calls. They aren't entertaining offers. They have completely frozen the riverfront development."
Richard stood up, buttoning his coat. The disappointed look he gave Harrison was the same look he gave failing startups before he liquidated them.
"I don't back losers, Harrison," Richard stated coldly. "You promised me that land. If you can't deliver the Montgomery properties by the end of the month, the Dupont capital goes to your competitors. And the wedding goes on hold."
May you like
Vanessa didn't argue with her father. She simply stood, smoothed her designer skirt, and followed him out of the room, leaving Harrison standing in the ruins of his grand ambition.
Harrison slammed his fists onto the mahogany table. He needed to find out who was running Phoenix Holdings. He needed to destroy them.
