Aaron practically floated through the days leading up to the shareholders' meeting, the day he would finally overthrow his father. "She loves me, she loves me, she loves me," ran through his head like a mantra; he couldn't stop smiling.

All the employees at Hale Investments wondered what was wrong with their perpetually stoic vice president. He never smiled—ever.

"Why are you in such a good mood?" Cameron asked as they entered the boardroom.

"She loves me," Aaron said dreamily.

Cameron whisper-shouted, attracting the attention of several shareholders before lowering his voice. "What?! You've been married this long, and she only said it now?"

"We have…a complicated history."

Cameron, still confused, was about to ask more when his wife, Jennica, walked in and sat across the table, maintaining the illusion of not knowing him. Her presence sufficiently distracted him until the two remaining shareholders arrived, allowing the meeting to begin.

Alistair began with the monthly reports and noteworthy issues, as usual. Aaron fought to contain his excitement, eagerly awaiting his turn. Revenge would be sweet. Two lifetimes of his father's control would finally end.

"I have something to say," he announced with fifteen minutes remaining.

"What is it?" his father asked impatiently, his coldness chilling the room. He was still bitter about Aaron's absence from Lacy's funeral.

"I need the shares you promised me upon my son's birth. The contract is legally binding, and we're three months overdue."

Silence fell over the room. Those unaware of Keeley, Kaleb, and Violet were stunned.

Aaron projected copies of his marriage certificate and Kaleb's birth certificate onto the screen—witnesses were crucial, in case his father tried to renege. Then he'd sue.

Next, he displayed copies of the share transfer agreements with his "dummy" shareholders.

"Therefore, I'll become the majority shareholder with fifty-one percent, legally entitling me to change the board of directors. I'll be replacing my father as CEO. Cameron, are you interested in becoming vice president?"

Though surprised, Cameron, who had actually been paying attention, asked, "Are you serious?!"

Aaron shrugged. "Increased salary, and I'll stop sending you all over the world."

A satisfied grin spread across Cameron's face. "Done."

Jennica clapped. "Way to go, babe!"

The room erupted into chaos until Alistair yelled, silencing everyone with his intimidating aura.

"AARON HALE, EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"

A satisfied grin—in stark contrast to the terrified expressions around him—spread across Aaron's face. The storm didn't faze him.

"It's simple, Father. I disliked your methods and began planning this in my freshman year of college. I acquired shares and transferred them to others who would vote with me, deflecting suspicion.

I monitored your activities, so I know about the insider trading. If you cause trouble, I'll give the evidence to the police, and your family's legacy will be destroyed. I don't care. My family is all that matters.

Oh, and Bethany Carlisle? Doesn't exist. Someone impersonated her at that birthday party. My wife, the woman you heard on the phone, and I married last year and have twins. I win."

Alistair sputtered, speechless. The others were equally stunned.

"You engaged in insider trading?" Samuel, Alistair's most loyal supporter, asked angrily. "Do you understand the damage that would cause?"

"Our shares would be worthless! We'd lose thousands!" Carol exclaimed.

"How could you be so irresponsible?!" Alexander demanded.

The room exploded in a cacophony of shouts. Aaron watched the chaos with a wicked grin; everyone had turned on his father.

Cameron put a hand on Aaron's shoulder. "You did it. He won't stay."

"Definitely not," Aaron laughed.

It was satisfying watching his father's desperate attempts at self-defense. The mighty Alistair Hale was a cornered rat.

The meeting ran twenty minutes over as shareholders cursed Alistair, threatening lawsuits for breach of trust if he didn't relinquish the shares and retire.

This exceeded Aaron's wildest dreams. Revenge was sweet.

"Why did you do this, Aaron?" his father asked weakly, once they were alone.

Aaron laughed bitterly. There were many reasons Alistair wouldn't remember, but primarily, his attempts to control Aaron like a puppet.

"You tried to mold me into your image. How many times did I refuse to marry that witch, only for you to announce the engagement publicly to force my hand? Well, she's dead, and I married the woman I love."

Alistair's eyes widened in fear. "Did you kill her?!"

"No. I suppose I have a guardian angel."

(Or a deranged brother, but that's another story…)

"Michael Gray sends his regards."

Alistair jumped up, horrified. "How do you know him? You planned this together?!"

"This was my plan. He just helped with the execution," Aaron smirked, pushing the share transfer document across the table. "About those shares?"

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