The mood in the Sys Corp. boardroom was heavy. The large room, decorated with luxurious furniture and a massive mahogany table, seemed more oppressive than usual. The twelve board members were seated, each with a serious expression. The initial murmur indicated that everyone had already taken a position before Lyco even entered.
Lyco, led by his butler and pushed in his wheelchair, exuded a weakened authority. The CEO seat he had occupied for decades was at risk, but his proud and defiant gaze betrayed no insecurity. As he entered, the room fell silent momentarily.
"Gentlemen, let us begin," said Jonathan, the chairman of the board, breaking the silence. He was a tall, middle-aged man known for his cool and impartial approach.
Lyco took his place at the end of the table, adjusting his wheelchair.
"Before we begin, I want to make it clear that any attempt to undermine my leadership will be challenged with every legal tool available," he said, his voice firm despite his physical condition.
"Lyco, we are here to discuss the recent problems facing Sys Corp., not to make threats," Jonathan replied. "As you know, the stock has fallen 38% in a week. Mystic Corp. is also facing extreme difficulties. Many of us on the board believe that your leadership is no longer sustainable."
Lyco narrowed his eyes, his anger evident.
"The drop in stock is the result of an external attack coordinated by Aiden Baskerville. You all know that! He is a cunning enemy, but not invincible. We need unity, not internal divisions."
A woman to the right, Catherine, one of the largest individual shareholders, interjected:
"Unity? You want to talk about unity when you clearly cannot protect our interests? Lyco, your methods are outdated. Your attacks on Aiden have only made our situation worse. He is always one step ahead of you."
Lyco slammed his fist on the table, his expression hardening.
"I built this company from the ground up! Every one of you sits here today because of my work, my vision, and my leadership. And now you want to abandon me at a time when we need a bold strategy?"
Another board member, Thomas, a younger, more ambitious man, couldn't help himself
"The truth is, Lyco, your 'vision' is ruining us. Ever since Mystic Corp. started losing value, our investors have been in a panic. You are stuck in the past, and your insistence on using archaic methods like bribery and blackmail is only making things worse. This is the 21st century, Lyco!"
"You think you know better than me, kid?" Lyco retorted with contempt. "I've faced far more dangerous adversaries than Aiden in my career. You have no idea what it's like to lead under real pressure."
Jonathan raised his hand to restore order in the room.
"Enough. We need to focus on the facts. Lyco, with all due respect to your history with the company, we're not talking about the past anymore. The present is that investors are demanding change, and that includes your departure as CEO."
"Jonathan, are you betraying my trust?" Lyco said, his voice thick with disbelief. "I put you in this chair. You owe me your career!"
Jonathan remained calm, but his expression was implacable.
"And now I'm doing what's best for the company. That's my responsibility."
The argument quickly degenerated into shouting matches. Catherine stood up from her chair.
"If you stay on as CEO, Lyco, I'll sell my shares tomorrow. I'm already getting offers from buyers who think they can run the company better without you."
Thomas joined in the chorus
"I support Catherine. It's time for new leadership. Someone who can negotiate with Aiden instead of stirring up more trouble."
Lyco glared at the two of them as if he could shoot them with a glare.
"Traitors, all of you! You don't understand what's at stake. If I leave, Aiden will not only destroy Sys Corp., but he'll ruin all of you in the process. He doesn't just want to win; he wants to destroy everything we've built!"
"Or maybe he's just trying to fix the mess you've created," Catherine countered, her voice as cold as ice.
The room was silent for a moment before Jonathan spoke again. "Lyco, let me put it simply. The board has called this meeting to vote on your continued tenure as CEO. You can choose to step down now and preserve some of your dignity, or we can formalize your resignation. The choice is yours."
The threat hung in the air, making many board members uncomfortable. Jonathan, however, stood his ground.
"Then let us proceed with the vote. Those who are in favor of removing Lyco as CEO, please raise your hands."
Catherine was the first to raise her hand, followed by Thomas and six other members. Only three remained on Lyco's side, while two abstained.
"The majority has decided. Lyco, you are hereby removed from your duties as CEO of Sys Corp., effective immediately," Jonathan declared.
Lyco was silent for a few seconds, before letting out a bitter laugh.
"Do you really think this will solve your problems? You are making the biggest mistake of your lives. I am Sys Corp. Without me, you are lost."
Two security guards entered the room to escort him. Lyco looked at them with disdain before turning to the board.
"Aiden Baskerville will destroy you all. When he does, don't come crawling to me for help."
He was led out of the room, his once imposing figure now reduced to the frailty of a defeated man. The silence in the boardroom was deafening as the board members pondered the consequences of their actions.
Across M-City, Aiden's Mansion.
Aiden sat in his luxurious penthouse, sitting in a leather chair by the window. The cityscape sparkled with the night lights, but his focus was on the laptop in front of him, reviewing financial market charts. He held a glass of whiskey in one hand while flipping through a report with the other.
The sound of a notification on his phone interrupted his concentration. He glanced at the screen and saw Ada's name flashing.
"Go ahead, Ada," he answered, putting the phone on speaker and going back to studying the report.
Ada, with her usual calm and efficient voice, got straight to the point:
"Aiden, it just happened. The Sys Corp. board has removed Lyco as CEO. He's officially out."
Aiden smiled, leaning back in his chair and slowly swirling the glass of whiskey in his hand.
"That went faster than I expected. What exactly happened?"
Ada replied with a tone that mixed humor and professionalism:
"Well, it was a real storm at the meeting today. The board was divided, but the collapse of Sys and Mystic Corp. stocks was the final blow. Jonathan led the charge, and even Lyco's allies couldn't defend him. It was a decisive vote. He left the room practically escorted by security."
Aiden let out a light laugh.
"So the old man finally went down. I imagine he didn't take it too well."
"Not good, to be honest. He threatened the entire board, saying that Sys wouldn't survive without him and that he would take the company with him if necessary. But that only reinforced their resolve. Jonathan is already moving to stabilize things."
Aiden took a sip of whiskey, thinking about his next moves.
"What about Mystic Corp.? Any movement there?"
"Nothing public so far, but the rumor mill is buzzing. It seems that Angel, his daughter, is trying to gather allies to protect herself, but the stock drop has undermined investor confidence. They're in complete chaos."
Aiden smiled again, satisfied.
"Perfect. Ada, keep monitoring their movements. I want to know everything Jonathan intends to do to save Sys. We have to be ready to strike at the right time."
"Sure, Aiden. I'll keep you posted. Anything else?"
"Yes, send Jonathan a bottle of the best wine. With a card that says, 'Congratulations on your leadership, and may the new times come.' Just to spice things up."
Ada laughed on the other end of the line.
"You're incorrigible, Aiden. But I'll take care of it. Good night."
The call ended, and Aiden stared out the window, contemplating the city.