Chapter 7: The Groom’s Counterattack
The Brooks board meeting began at eight o’clock in the estate library.
Daniel insisted the meeting remain private.
Emily entered anyway.
Carter Trust representatives held forty-one percent of Brooks Hospitality’s secured debt. That did not give Emily voting shares, but it gave her the power to force bankruptcy if the loans were called.
Daniel stood at the end of the long table.
His tuxedo jacket was gone. His sleeves were rolled up, and his voice carried the controlled urgency of a man attempting to turn disaster into leadership.
“My father concealed financial transfers from this board,” he said. “I discovered the misconduct this afternoon.”
Richard Brooks exploded.
“You ungrateful little coward.”
Daniel did not look at him.
“I recommend Richard’s immediate removal and my appointment as sole chief executive so I can cooperate with investigators and protect our employees.”
Emily almost admired the speed of his betrayal.
He was sacrificing his father to save himself.
Several board members appeared willing to accept it.
Then Daniel turned toward Emily.
“I also recommend continuing the Carter consolidation under independent supervision.”
“You still expect my money?” Emily asked.
“I expect you to honor the economic commitments you made.”
“I made them based on fraudulent information.”
“And the courts can decide that. Meanwhile, twelve hotels are operating without enough cash to cover next month’s payroll.”
He placed a folder before each board member.
Inside were employee lists.
More than eight thousand names.
Daniel had arranged them by location, department, and years of service.
A weapon made of human beings.
“You can punish me,” he said. “But you cannot pretend your decision affects only me.”
Emily looked at the names.
Housekeepers in Chicago.
Cooks in Atlanta.
Maintenance workers in Denver.
Reservation staff in Phoenix.
Daniel leaned closer.
“Walk away tonight, and their suffering becomes part of your victory.”
Arthur whispered, “He is manipulating you.”
“I know.”
“Then don’t let him.”
Emily closed the folder.
“What if the Carter Trust takes control of the hotels instead?”
The room fell silent.
Daniel laughed.
“You can’t.”
“We hold the senior debt.”
“You would need the board’s consent.”
“Not if Brooks Hospitality defaults.”
Daniel’s smile disappeared.
Emily continued.
“The trust can provide emergency payroll financing directly to each hotel. In exchange, Brooks transfers operational control until the investigation ends.”
Board members began murmuring.
Daniel shook his head.
“That would destroy the Brooks name.”
“You destroyed the Brooks name.”
Richard suddenly began laughing.
Everyone turned toward him.
“You still don’t understand,” he told Emily. “The hotels are not the valuable part.”
Arthur went pale.
May you like
Richard looked directly at him.
“Tell her what her father buried beneath Blackwood Estate.”
