“The company bylaws are clear: any investment exceeding one billion dollars requires board approval before funds can be released. Yet Mr. Thomas bypassed this process entirely. With nothing more than his father’s signature, he shifted one and a half billion dollars of the company’s liquid assets for his own personal gain–and handed it over to his lover Marina’s new firm to help her bid for the Coralis Phosphorock Vein contract.”
As Niamh spoke, several shareholders‘ expressions darkened.
“Wait, CoralisPhosphorock Vein–don’t tell me that’s…”
“That’s right,” Niamh confirmed with a nod. “It’s that same depleted site with falsified survey reports. Which means the one and a half billion dollars Mr. Thomas misappropriated is now a total loss for the company.”
A ripple of alarm spread through the room, especially among the minority. shareholders. Unlike the Thomases or their close allies, these smaller investors cared more about their own returns than family loyalties.
“I imagine some of you have already heard–the company’s Al–assisted diagnostics project with CelestiMed is facing delays due to a chip shortage. Costs are up, cash flow is under serious pressure, and Mr. Thomas’s actions have pushed us right into a liquidity crisis.”
Niamh’s voice was calm, her words sharp and precise. Several shareholders were already nodding in agreement.
“So tell me how can a CEO who puts his own interests above the company’s, who embezzles funds for his girlfriend, possibly remain at the helm?”
Her question rang out, slicing through the room and leaving a heavy silence in its
wake.
Sprague’s jaw tightened in anger, his whole face twitching with tension. Meanwhile, Jonathan sat as still and unreadable as always, his chiseled features betraving
nothing.
“As a shareholder, protecting the company’s interests is my responsibility,” Niamh continued. “I move that we remove Jonathan Thomas from his position as CEO. I urge every one of you to vote with careful consideration.”
With that, the vote began.
In the end, after abstentions were counted out, the tally stood at seventy–three in
09:03
Chapter 486
favor of dismissal, one hundred and twenty–six against.
The motion failed.
Sprague let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. After all, under Jonathan’s leadership, both major and minor shareholders had reaped handsome profits over the years. So what if he’d siphoned off a mere one and a half billion? Sure, it was against the bylaws, but Jonathan could turn around and make the company ten times that much in no time. No one waiting in the wings could ever match his results.
Sprague shot Niamh a glare, but she didn’t look disappointed in the slightest. On the contrary, she smiled–like this was the outcome she’d expected all along.
“According to our bylaws, even if a manager isn’t removed, a major misjudgment still requires accountability. Future financial decisions will be subject to strict oversight.”
Niamh produced a thick financial oversight agreement and placed it in front of Jonathan.
“Mr. Thomas, sign here.”
Jonathan met Niamh’s eyes–hers sparkled like a sky full of stars. He smiled, his signature easy charm never wavering.
Without a word, he picked up the pen and signed his name in a bold flourish.
Niamh gathered up the agreement. Refusing wasn’t an option for Jonathan: she held the evidence of his embezzlement, and if he’d refused, she could have brought a lawsuit against him for damaging the company’s interests.
With that, the emergency shareholders‘ meeting drew to a close. Niamh left the conference room, satisfaction written on her face–she’d gotten exactly what she wanted.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into a nearby office.
Chapter 487
