The first slide shows financial projections that I recognize immediately as the fake documents we planted. James presents them with dramatic flair, pointing to cash-flow problems and debt ratios that paint VSE as a company on the brink of collapse.
“These documents,” James says, his voice carrying false concern, “show a company hemorrhaging money, losing key partnerships, and facing potential bankruptcy within eighteen months.”
Several board members shift uncomfortably. Beatrice Pratchett frowns at the numbers. “These figures seem…extreme, James. Our quarterly reports show healthy growth.”
“Quarterly reports can be misleading,” James replies smoothly, advancing to the next slide. “These internal projections tell the real story. Look at these partnership losses—Sunside Industries, Patterson Logistics, Coastal Distribution. All major revenue streams, gone.”
“But we renegotiated those contracts,” board member Paulson interjects. “At better terms.”
“Did you?” James’s smile turns predatory. “Or were you forced to accept inferior arrangements to prevent total loss? Sometimes maintaining a relationship at any cost is worse than losing it entirely.”
I have to admire his strategy, even as I despise him for it. He’s taking real business decisions and twisting them into evidence of weakness.
“Furthermore,” James continues, “VSE’s management structure has become…questionable. Nepotism in hiring practices, questionable decision-making, and leadership that prioritizes personal relationships over business acumen.”
Thornton nods gravely. “I’ve observed some concerning patterns,” he says, playing his role perfectly. “Perhaps we should consider Mr. Dellcourt’s proposal seriously. For the good of the company.”
“The solution,” James says, advancing to his final slide, “is an immediate merger with Dellcourt Enterprises. We can absorb VSE’s debt, stabilize operations, and preserve jobs. Without this intervention, I’m afraid VSE won’t survive the next fiscal year.”
Pratchett looks troubled. “The timeline you’re suggesting is very aggressive, James. Mergers of this magnitude typically require months of due diligence.”
“Under normal circumstances, yes,” James agrees. “But these aren’t normal circumstances. VSE is hemorrhaging money daily. Every day we delay is another day closer to collapse.”
This is it. The moment we’ve been waiting for.
Lior stands slowly, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, James, for your…concern about VSE’s welfare. However, I think there might be some confusion about our actual financial position.”
He activates his own presentation, and the real numbers fill the screen. Healthy cash flow, strong partnerships, growth projections that show VSE thriving.
“These are VSE’s actual financials,” Lior says calmly. “Audited, verified, and quite different from what James has presented.”
The room erupts in murmurs. James’s confident expression falters for the first time.
“I don’t understand,” Pratchett says, looking between thetwo presentations. “These numbers are completely different. James, where did you obtain your information?”
“My sources are reliable—” James starts, but his voice has lost its earlier certainty.
“Your source,” Lior interrupts, his voice carrying steel now, “is sitting at this table.”
The silence that follows is deafening. Every head turns, scanning the faces around the table. Thornton has gone pale.
“That’s a serious accusation,” Pratchett says slowly. “Are you suggesting someone on this board has been leaking confidential information?”
“I’m not suggesting it,” Lior replies. “I’m stating it as fact.”
He activates another slide. Security footage fills the screen. It’s grainy but clear enough to show Thornton entering my office at seven forty-seven p.m. last Friday, going through my desk, photographing documents with his phone.
“Richard Thornton,” Lior says quietly, “has been feeding Dellcourt Holdings information for months. Information that, as of last week, became deliberately falsified to test our suspicions.”
The room explodes in shocked voices. Thornton’s face crumbles. “I… This is… You can’t prove…”
“The time stamp on the footage matches exactly with when these false documents were accessed,” Lior continues relentlessly. “Corporate espionage. Breach of fiduciary duty. Violation of your board member agreement.” His smile is razor-sharp. “Grounds for immediate dismissal and potential criminal charges.”
“Richard,” Pratchett breathes, looking genuinely hurt. “How could you?”
“The company was being run into the ground!” Thornton explodes, his composure finally shattering. “Lior’stoo young, too inexperienced. He’s making decisions based on emotion rather than business sense. Someone had to act!”
“By betraying your fiduciary duty?” Paulson demands. “By selling company secrets?”
