Alexander's POV
Birch Entertainment Company, 10:00AM
The atmosphere inside the boardroom was heavier than I had anticipated.
Every director sat with a different expression upon their face. Some looked worried, some were frustrated and others merely looked exhausted. Since Seraphina's scandal had been exposed, Birch Entertainment had become the center of countless discussions across Thide Country.
Partners were beginning to hesitate and millions of Farqus were hanging in the balance.
"The production budget has already exceeded our original estimates!" one of the directors snapped impatiently.
"Several investors have already threatened to withdraw their support if we fail to resolve this issue quickly."
"The media has been relentless these past few days."
"Should we suspend the movie's production?"
"Absolutely not!"
"Then who will bear responsibility if we lose billions?"
Their voices rose one after another as though I wasn't sitting amongst them.
I merely sat quietly in my chair with my legs crossed while listening to their endless arguments.
Human nature truly was amusing. When a company flourished, everyone rushed forward to claim credit. Yet the moment trouble appeared, they immediately began searching for someone else to blame.
After several minutes, I reached for the glass of water before me and deliberately placed it back against the polished conference table.
TAP!
The sound wasn't loud, yet it instantly silenced the entire room.
More than twenty pairs of eyes immediately turned toward me.
I slowly raised my brows.
"Interesting," I said calmly. "I didn't realize obtaining everyone's attention was this simple."
Silence immediately followed my words.
One of the older directors awkwardly coughed into his hand before forcing a smile.
"Mr. Blackwood, please..."
I rested my fingers lightly against the armrest before speaking once more.
"Since everyone has finally remembered that I am present, allow me to save us some time."
My gaze swept calmly across the boardroom.
"I own forty-five percent of Birch Entertainment Company."
No one spoke.
"I have invested billions into this company and even more into its upcoming production."
"Unlike some of you, I have absolutely no intention of allowing it to fail."
I slowly stood from my seat and adjusted my suit.
"For decades, Thide Country's entertainment industry has remained predictable. Historical films, biographies, political dramas and documentaries continue to dominate our cinemas while the romance genre remains largely ignored."
Several directors unconsciously nodded their heads.
"The movie currently under production will change that."
"It isn't merely another romance film. It is the beginning of something larger."
I paused briefly before continuing.
"Birch Entertainment will become the number one entertainment company in Thide Country and eventually expand beyond our borders."
"And I intend to make that happen."
The confidence in my voice caused several directors to unconsciously straighten their posture.
"Therefore," I continued calmly, "I am nominating myself as the next chairman of Birch Entertainment Company."
Murmurs immediately erupted across the boardroom.
"Mr. Blackwood..."
"This..."
"Perhaps we should reconsider..."
"NO", I said, interrupting before anyone could continue.
"I possess the capital, connections and influence necessary to achieve what I have promised."
My eyes scanned the entire room.
"You are free to disagree. But I assure you, nobody in this room is more qualified than I am."
Before anyone could respond, the boardroom doors suddenly opened.
"I disagree", a familiar voice echoed softly throughout the room.
Raziel leisurely made his way inside wearing his usual beige suit and bowler hat. Unlike the nervous directors surrounding him, his expression remained calm and composed.
Several members of the board immediately stood to greet him respectfully while others merely nodded their heads.
His gaze briefly met mine before a faint smile appeared upon his face.
"You can't simply bully everyone with money and power, Alex."
"Can I not?", I asked, smiling faintly.
A soft chuckle escaped his lips before he took a seat.
"No."
He slowly folded his hands together.
"You own forty-five percent of this company."
He leaned back against his seat
"I own twenty-five and the remaining thirty percent belongs to everyone else sitting within this room."
His smile widened slightly.
"You'll have to follow due process."
Before anyone could speak further, a young black man seated three seats away from me suddenly stood up.
His sharp eyes calmly swept across the room before settling upon Raziel.
"I agree with Mr. Raziel."
Everyone immediately turned toward him.
"If we're discussing due process, then let's follow tradition."
He adjusted his glasses calmly before continuing.
"Mr. Blackwood and Mr. Raziel are prohibited from voting. The rest of us will vote who we want as chairman and the person who gets the majority of the votes wins."
The suggestion immediately gained everyone's approval and the voting process began shortly afterward.
Gradually, the atmosphere inside the room became increasingly tense.
By the end of the voting process, everyone's expressions became strange.
The votes were tied.
All eyes slowly turned toward the young man who remained standing quietly amongst us because he possessed the deciding vote.
"You've become quite important rather quickly", Raziel said, smiling lightly.
The young man merely smiled politely before finally speaking.
"I vote for Mr. Alexander Blackwood."
Silence instantly descended upon the room.
Raziel laughed softly before shaking his head helplessly.
"It's unfortunate," he sighed dramatically. "You've allowed yourself to be won over by money."
The young man immediately smiled.
"You're mistaken, Mr. Raziel."
"Oh?"
"It's not merely money."
His smile widened slightly.
"It's money with a generous spray of nepotism."
For the first time, I even found myself mildly amused by his answer.
Raziel laughed helplessly while rubbing his forehead.
"At least you're honest."
The board immediately announced my appointment as chairman.
Slowly, I walked out of my seat and looked around the room.
"I won't waste everyone's time with meaningless promises."
Some members of the board frowned at my words.
"Perform your duties well and I will reward your loyalty generously."
The frowns on their faces disappeared almost immediately.
"Betray this company or attempt to undermine me...", I paused briefly before smiling, "...and I assure you that unemployment will become the least of your concerns."
Several directors visibly stiffened.
"Finally," I continued calmly, "allow me to remind everyone of something."
My gaze slowly swept across the room.
"Seventy-five percent is greater than fifty-five percent."
Silence followed immediately.
"And the land upon which Birch Entertainment Company currently stands..."
I smiled pleasantly.
"...belongs to me."
Shock instantly appeared upon several faces throughout the boardroom.
"Should anyone doubt my words, you're more than welcome to conduct your own investigation."
The atmosphere immediately became deathly silent.
Before leaving, I stopped beside the young man who had voted for me.
"Your name?"
"Adam Brooks, Sir. Chief Communications Officer."
"Good."
"Arrange a press conference within fifteen minutes."
"Yes, Chairman."
I took several steps forward before stopping once more.
Without turning around, I smiled faintly.
"And Mr. Brooks..."
"Yes, Chairman?"
"You made one mistake earlier."
Confusion immediately appeared upon his face.
"Sir?"
I glanced toward Raziel before smoothing out the sleeve of my suit jacket.
"I don't possess money with a spray of nepotism."
I grinned wider.
"I simply possess too much money."
The silence that followed was almost frightening.
Without another word, I walked out of the boardroom leaving behind several stunned directors and a helplessly laughing Raziel.