Chapter Eight
Flynn
I stepped into the boardroom, feeling the weight of responsibility settle onto my shoulders. The long, polished table was lined with familiar faces—our board members—each with their own agenda. At the far end, my uncle, Will Jefferson, sat with his piercing gaze locked on me.
I nodded to the assembled members. “Good morning, everyone,” I began, taking my seat at the head of the table. Nelly, my secretary, settled to my right, poised to take notes.
“Today’s agenda includes the quarterly financial reports, updates on our renewable energy projects, and discussions on potential expansions into the Asian market.”
My mother scanned the reports in front of her. “I’m looking forward to hearing about the company’s progress.”
Uncle Will’s expression hardened with skepticism. “I’m sure we all are—especially considering the recent…missteps.”
I met his challenge head-on. “I’m confident our numbers will speak for themselves, Director Will. Our team has worked tirelessly to keep J-Kings Holdings at the forefront of innovation.”
Margaret adjusted her glasses. “I’ve reviewed the reports. While the profits are satisfactory, I see a decline in our tech division’s performance. These numbers don’t look promising.”
“Our profit margins are down five percent from last quarter. We need to reassess our cost structure,” Uncle Will added.
“We’re addressing the issue through strategic restructuring and increased investments in research and development.”
Uncle Will snorted. “Restructuring? That’s just a euphemism for cost-cutting measures. You’re sacrificing long-term growth for short-term gains.”
I maintained my composure. “Our decisions are data-driven. We’re prioritizing sustainable growth above reckless expansion.”
James Parker, our CFO, spoke up. “Director Will, a major factor behind our decreased margins stems from increased R&D investments in our tech division.”
Rachel Lee, a board member aligned with Uncle Will, chimed in. “But don’t you think we’re overinvesting in R&D?”
Emily Patel, our COO, countered, “Our R&D investments are strategic. We’re developing cutting-edge solutions that will give us a competitive edge in the market.”
Tension escalated as the discussion continued. Uncle Will’s allies on the board—including Tom Bradley and Rachel Lee—voiced criticisms and doubts. My supporters, like our CFO James Parker and COO Emily Patel, countered with facts and figures.
As the meeting wore on, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged. Uncle Will’s tactics were clear: discredit me, create uncertainty, and pave the way for his own ascension. Nevertheless, I listened attentively, guiding the discussion to ensure all points were addressed.
After thorough deliberation, I asked, “Are there any other agenda items or business to discuss?”
Silence fell over the room. Uncle Will cleared his throat. “I have a motion to propose.”
“Please proceed,” I said.
Uncle Will leaned forward. “I move to review the current leadership and consider alternative options for the CEO position.”
Director Margaret seconded the motion.
“I’d like to remind the board,” my mother began, “that our company bylaws require a seventy-five percent majority vote to remove the CEO.”
Tom Bradley, a board member supporting Uncle Will, spoke up. “We’re not looking to remove our CEO immediately. We want to evaluate his performance and consider alternatives.”
Khalan Jefferson’s expression remained neutral. “I suggest we table this discussion until our next meeting, allowing time for a thorough evaluation.”
“Agreed. After which, might I suggest we call for a voting exercise with all shareholders?” another member added.
I knew it was pointless to argue. Instead, I needed to schedule meetings with the other shareholders and secure their support.
Finally, I concluded the meeting. “We’ll continue this discussion once the evaluation is complete in two weeks. If there’s consensus for a voting exercise, we’ll schedule it at the next shareholders’ meeting next month. Nelly, please distribute the meeting minutes and ensure all board members receive a copy of the financial reports.”
Nelly nodded, gathering her notes.
As the board members filed out, I caught Nelly’s eye. “Get me the latest on Uncle Will’s share acquisitions—discreetly.”
Nelly nodded subtly. “Already on it, sir.”
I stayed seated, collecting my thoughts. I made a mental note to schedule an emergency meeting with Mr. Fletcher. Since Uncle Will thought he’d outsmart me, I decided I’d beat him at his own game.
The boardroom door closed behind the last departing member, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
***
I pulled up to the hospital entrance and spotted Cedar waiting outside. She smiled as I stepped out of the car and opened the passenger door for her.
“Hey,” Cedar said, sliding into the seat.
“Hey,” I replied, helping her with her seatbelt. For the sake of appearances, I gave her a quick peck on the cheek, aware of the hospital staff watching. Needless to say, we’d been under scrutiny since announcing our engagement.
As we drove away from the hospital, Cedar asked, “How was your day?”
“It’s been eventful,” I said. “My uncle made his move publicly today, proposing a motion to ‘review’ our current leadership structure. But I know it’s aimed at unseating me.”
“I thought the engagement was supposed to help with things?”
“It will, but there’s still plenty of work to do. I need to meet with several shareholders and secure their votes, just to be sure.”
“Do you need me for any of those?”
“I might. Some people are more receptive to a man who has a woman beside him.”
Cedar nodded. “I understand. Whenever you need me, I’ll be ready.”
“Thank you. It looks like I’ll be the one demanding more in this relationship.”
“It’s fine, Flynn.”
“Oh—one more thing. We’ve been flooded with invitations to charity events and galas. Everyone wants to meet the future Mrs. Jefferson.”
Cedar rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “I knew this would happen.”
I chuckled. “Speaking of which, we’re invited to the annual Healthcare Gala next weekend. My mother’s been pressing me to confirm our attendance.”
Cedar’s eyes widened. “That sounds fancy.”
“It is,” I said. “But I promise it’ll be worth it. We’ll make an appearance, network a bit, then slip out.”
Cedar nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll make sure to clear my schedule.”
We drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Cedar spoke again. “Your mom has been really interested in my affairs—asking about my work and friends. It’s sweet, but it breaks my heart to know I’m deceiving her.”
I glanced at her sympathetically. “I know, Cedar. Your father’s been…”
Just then, my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. “Speak of the devil.”
Cedar’s curiosity was piqued. “Answer it.”
I picked up and exchanged brief pleasantries. “Yes, sir… I understand… Will do.”
Cedar raised an eyebrow. “What did he want?”
I smiled reassuringly. “Just checking on me—making sure I’m treating you right.”
Cedar’s expression softened. “He’s always looking out for me.”
To shift the mood, I suggested, “Let’s take a detour. There’s a beautiful park nearby where we can walk and clear our heads.”
Cedar smiled. “That sounds perfect.”
We strolled hand in hand through the park, enjoying the serene atmosphere. Children’s laughter drifted on the breeze as we walked.
“Do you think we’ll be able to keep this up? The charade, I mean.”
I squeezed her hand. “We’ll make it work. We have to.”
“And when it’s time to break things off, what would be our excuse?”
I was about to respond when my phone buzzed again, interrupting my thoughts. My expression turned serious as I glanced at the screen.
“Sorry, I need to take this,” I said, letting go of Cedar’s hand.
“Go ahead,” she replied, watching as I stepped away to answer the call.
I could feel her curious gaze on me. She wanted to know who was calling, but I didn’t enlighten her—I couldn’t. This conversation needed to remain private.
My mind flashed back to the events surrounding my father’s death. The doctor’s words still echoed: “Heart failure, Flynn. It was sudden, but not entirely unexpected.” Yet my mother’s insistence had planted seeds of doubt. She’d been adamant that Dad was fine—healthy and vibrant right up until the end.
The autopsy report confirmed the doctor’s findings, but Mom’s conviction stayed with me. I remembered her words: “Your father was not a sick man, Flynn. Something’s not right.” Her voice had been laced with grief and suspicion.
I decided to investigate further, without telling anyone—not even Mom. I, too, couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Dad had always been serious about exercise and mindful of his diet, so the idea that he just dropped dead didn’t sit right with me. That’s why I hired Detective Ralph, a private investigator with a reputation for discretion and skill.
Ralph specialized in uncovering the truth, no matter how well hidden. I tasked him with digging deeper into my father’s death, to see if there was more to it than met the eye.
Now, as I stood with the phone pressed to my ear, I steeled myself.
“Flynn Jefferson,” I answered.
Ralph’s gravelly voice came through the line. “Flynn, it’s Ralph. I believe I have something that might interest you.”
I nodded, my gaze drifting back to Cedar. She watched me, concern etched on her face.
“I’m listening,” I said, my voice firm.
***
I burst through the front door of our house, my mind spinning with Ralph’s news.
“Heather!” I called out, scanning the foyer.
My sister stepped from the living room, concern shadowing her features. “Flynn, what’s wrong?”
“Where’s Mom?” I asked, glancing down the empty hallway.
“In her garden, I think,” Heather replied. “What’s going on, Flynn? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I took a deep breath, still processing Ralph’s news. “I need to talk to Mom.”
Heather’s expression darkened with worry. “Is everything okay?”
I shook my head. “Just get Mom, please.”
Heather hurried off, leaving me pacing in the foyer.
A few minutes later, my mother, Khalan, entered, her face composed. “Flynn, what’s wrong? Heather said you looked distressed. Is Cedar okay?”
“There’s nothing wrong with Cedar.”
“Okay… so?”
I drew a long, steadying breath, the words tumbling out. “You know how you insisted Dad’s death seemed unnatural, even after the autopsy?”
“Yes…?”
“I went ahead and hired a private investigator. I didn’t tell anyone so that if your suspicion proved right, nothing would be tampered with.”
I watched the color drain from my mother’s face as I spoke. “The investigator found something. Dad’s death wasn’t a natural heart failure—it was murder.”
Silence fell over the room.
My mother’s eyes widened, her face turning pale as she staggered back, leaning against the wall for support.
Heather gasped and rushed toward Mom. “Who could do such a thing?”
I pressed on, my voice trembling. “Ralph’s convinced it was staged to look like a heart attack. He doesn’t have a name yet, but he’s looking into possible suspects. We have to be careful. If this gets out, it could ruin the company’s reputation—and put us all in danger. No one can know what we know.”
Mom’s hands flew to her mouth, tears spilling out despite her attempts to hold them back. I saw her body tremble with grief while my own shook with rage.
Heather enveloped Mom in a hug despite her own tears. Her voice was calm yet steady. “So, what do we do? Who do we trust?”
I gritted my teeth. “No one outside the three of us can be trusted. For now, we do nothing but wait. I’ll get to the bottom of this—I promise.”
Heather nodded.
Mom was still fighting back tears, unable to speak. I could no longer resist joining them on the floor. In two steps, I was beside them, crouching down so they could lean into me. And for the first time since Dad was laid to rest, I allowed myself to cry.