Chapter 203
Chapter 203
Marcus’s POV
Marcus’s phone had been ringing nonstop since the SEC investigation story broke. Investors, board members, business partners, all demanding answers he didn’t have.
He sat in his home office at 6 AM, three hours before the emergency board meeting he’d called, trying to make sense of how this had happened so fast.
The allegations were specific. Too specific to be random. Someone had fed the SEC detailed information about transactions dating back five years, complete with account numbers and transfer dates that matched real deals Marcus had made.
Legitimate deals. Nothing illegal or even questionable. But the way the information was presented made everything look
suspicious.
Dante appeared in the doorway holding his laptop. “I’ve been going through the tip that triggered the investigation. It came from an anonymous email sent to three different SEC investigators simultaneously.”
“Can you trace it?”
“Already did. Routed through seven different proxy servers across four countries. Whoever sent it knows what they’re doing.
Marcus rubbed his eyes, exhaustion making everything feel surreal. “What exactly are they accusing me of?”
“Securities fraud, insider trading, market manipulation. The email claims you used non-public information to make trades that benefited Thorne Industries at the expense of smaller investors.”
“That’s insane. Every trade I’ve made has been reviewed by lawyers and compliance officers.”
“I know. But the SEC has to investigate anyway. Even baseless accusations require a response.”
Elara walked in with coffee, looking as tired as Marcus felt. The twins had been up half the night, both of them fussy and clingy since the kidnapping. She’d finally gotten them down around 4 AM.
“The board meeting is at nine,” she said. “Do you know what you’re going to tell them?”
“The truth. That this is a targeted attack designed to destroy my reputation and tank the company’s stock price.”
“Will they believe you?”
Marcus didn’t answer because he honestly didn’t know. Some board members were loyal, had been with Thorne Industries for decades. But others were new, brought in by investors who cared more about quarterly returns than family legacy.
Richard called at 7 AM. “I’m coming to the board meeting.”
“Dad, you’re retired. You don’t need to be involved in this.”
“My name is still on that company. And more importantly, you’re my son. I’m not letting you face this alone.”
Marcus felt something tighten in his chest. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet. Some of these board members are vultures. They’ve been waiting for an excuse to push you out and bring in their own CEO. This SEC investigation gives them ammunition.”
1/4
27 pm
hapter 264
Let them try I built this company into what it is today”
And they I argue that makes you too emotionally invested to lead oberstely just be prepared for a fight”
The drive to Thorne Industries felt like hrading to an esretion. Flara came with him insisting the wain terting him do
his alone Dante rode in the back still working on his laptop trying to hand anything courtial
The boardroom was packed when they arrived Twelve board members plus lawyers plus several major investors who d lemanded to be present All of them looking at Marcus like hed personally in from their pockets
Let’s get started Marcus vaid taking has seat at the brad of the tabir Imre you ve all seen the news”
ames Chen, one of the newer board members spoke first “We’ve arent and we re concerned. These are serious allegations. Marcus The SEC doesn’t investigate without case”
The SEC investigates whenever someone files a credible looking compalar That doesn’t mean the complaint has merit”
But it does mean we need to protect the company Our stock droppard twelve prom this morning Investors are pulling but We need damage control
I’m aware That’s why I’ve already retained the best securitas lawyers in the city. They re reviewing every transaction nentioned in the complaint and preparing out respionar
Victoria Ross, who’d been on the board unce Marcus & father founded the company leaned forward Marcus, do you have any idea who might have fled this complaint Any enemars who would want to see you destroyed”
Marcus thought about Julius dying in a hospital bed smiling as he talked about bigger branches “I have several ideas but nothing concrete yet”
That’s not good enough,” James said “We need answers. The board needs to know if there’s any truth to these allegations”
There isn’t. Every deal I’ve made has been legal and property documented”
Then why is the SEC investigating
Because someone is orchestrating a smear campaign designed to destroy my credibility and tank our stock price This isn’t about securities fraud It’s about revenge.”
The room erupted with questions. Who wanted revenge? What had Marcus done? How long had this been going on?
Richard stood up and the room went quiet. “I’ve known Marcus his entire life. Watched him build this company from the ground up after I handed him the reins. He’s made mistakes, we all have. But he’s not a criminal and he’s not stupid enough so risk everything with illegal trades”
With all due respect, Richard, you’re biased.” James said. “He’s your son.”
And you’re biased toward protecting your investment portfolio. But the difference is I actually know Marcus’s character You just know his quarterly reports
Dante’s phone buzzed and he looked at the screen, his expression darkening. He leaned over to whisper in Marcus’s ear “We have a problem. Someone just leaked internal company emails to the press. They’re being published right now.”
Marcus palled out his phone and saw the headlines already forming
EXCLUSIVE Internal Thorne Industries Emails Suggest CEO Knew About Questionable Deals
Marcus Thorne’s Own Words Contradict His Claims of Innocence
24
27 pm
OPP
Chapter 203
He opened the article and saw emails he dantually written pulled compartely out of context to make innocent conversations look incriminating
An email about timing a stock purchase to maximize returns became evidens of nader trading Adoruinn about market trends became proof of manipulatam Everything tended to a turrative of corrupte
“This is a coordinated attack Marvus and aloud “Sommune has ares to or mernal systems and is releasing information strategically to maximize damag
“Or James said martly the information is bring released trust true and war with a concrer decided to blow the whistle
Marcus stood up so fast has chair fe backward “Are you calling me a lar ́
Im saying the evidence is paling up and we need to condey all postbelts
“The possibility you should be considering that we have a meme made this company feeding information to our
enemies
Victoria raised her hand “Mare wit down Ing your temper secast herlips”
He sat forcing himself to breathe Clara’s hand found has dry the Lahir and spend
The board spent the nest hour debating options Hiring an independent investigator Suspending Marcus pending the SEC investigation Bringing in an interim CEO Every suggestson felt like a knife in Marcus hark
Finally Richard had enough Thas board seems to have forgotten that Marcus on forty-two percent of this company You can’t suspend hum or replace hum without has comset And I own another theen percent, which I will vote in alignment with my son on any motion brought forward today
That’s fifty-seven percent. Victoria saad doing the math “Majority stake”
“Exactly So unless Marcus voluntarily steps down which he won’t this conversation about interim CEOs is pointless”
James looked furious “You’re making a mistake When the SEC finds evidence of fraud, and they will, this company will be worthless
“Then I guess we’ll all go down together.” Richard saad calmly “Meeting adjourned”
The board members filed out, most of them looking angry or concerned A few stopped to quietly tell Marcus they supported him. But Marcus could see the doubt in their eyes.
Back in the car. Elara finally spoke. “That was a disaster”
“It was a warning shot. Whoever Julius was working with wants me to know they can destroy everything I’ve built.”
Dante was typing frantically on his laptop. Tm running a security audit on our entire network. If there’s a mole. I’ll find
them
Marcus’s phone rang. Detective Rivera
“Mr Thorne, we decoded one of Julius’s encrypted messages. You need to hear this.”
“What did it say
“The board will turn on him within a week. Make sure the leaks are timed for maximum impact. Once he’s isolated, we move to the final phase”
34
27 pm
Chapter 204
Marcus felt we unhas vrins Final phase
That’s all it says But Marcus whoever unt that mussage knew eatly how your board would react. They ve been planning his for a long t
AD
Comment
Send gift
No Ads
