Chapter 6 - The Founder’s Vote They Couldn’t Buy
Marlow Nutrition’s ordinary shares were divided among Elena, several family trusts, and institutional investors.
But Thomas had created one special founder’s vote.
It had little financial value.
During normal business decisions, it counted as one share.
If someone attempted to transfer the company using fraud, coercion, or unauthorized collateral, the founder’s vote gained temporary controlling authority.
Elena could stop the sale alone if she proved misconduct.
Jason knew a special provision existed.
He did not know what activated it.
He assumed Elena needed a court judgment.
She did not.
Priya needed credible evidence of coercion and a sworn statement from Elena.
The hidden cameras could provide the first.
Elena’s attendance at the board meeting would provide the second.
Jason needed her absent.
If Elena was hospitalized and declared medically confused, he planned to postpone her vote and present himself as temporary decision-maker.
Margaret had already arranged for Dr. Stephen Keller—the psychiatrist Elena never met—to sign an emergency incapacity statement.
The plan was contained inside an email Priya later recovered.
JASON:
She won’t sign willingly.
MARGARET:
Then she cannot appear tomorrow capable of stopping us.
JASON:
Nothing fatal.
MARGARET:
A kitchen accident. Pain medication. Keller handles the rest.
The board meeting had been quietly moved forward.
It was not six days away.
It was the following morning.
Jason had lied about the date so Elena would believe she had more time.
The lenders needed the sale approved before the market opened.
At 6:00 p.m., Jason returned to the kitchen carrying Elena’s phone.
He placed it beyond her reach.
“You have one last opportunity.”
Elena looked toward Margaret.
A deep pot of cooking oil sat on the stove.
Margaret had claimed she was preparing fried pastries.
There was no dough.
No sugar.
No serving tray.
Only the heated oil.
Jason placed the ratification agreement on the island.
“Sign.”
“No.”
“You lose the house if you don’t.”
“You already lost the right to ask.”
Margaret removed the pot from the burner.
Elena stepped backward.
Jason moved between her and the door.
The camera above the pantry recorded everything.
Margaret looked at her son.
“Hold her still.”
Elena pressed the button inside her watch.
The emergency alert reached Priya.
Jason caught Elena’s wrist.
May you like
Margaret lifted the pot.
👉 The “accident” began only after both of them confirmed exactly why Elena had to be injured before morning.
