Chapter 51

**Brandon's POV**

The morning sun cast long shadows across my office as I reviewed the files James had prepared. Each document told its own story-a web of deceit carefully woven by Matthew and his allies. My fingers traced the edge of a particularly damning report, a slight smile playing at my lips. *They never learn. do they?*

The intercom buzzed. "Sir, the board members are arriving early."

"Good." I didn't look up from the files. "Keep Matthew waiting."

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office, I could see Manhattan stretching out before me, a concrete jungle where I'd spent years ensuring only the strongest - only the loyal - survived. The timing was perfect.Matthew's desperation had made him sloppy, and now...

My phone vibrated with a message from James: "SEC agents in position."

I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction before tucking the final piece of evidence into my briefcase. The weight of June's marriage certificate brushed against my fingers - I'd taken to carrying it with me, though I'd never admit why, The thought of her brought an unexpected warmth to my chest, but I pushed it aside. *Focus. Business first.*

The boardroom fell silent as I entered, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Matthew sat at the far end, his usual arrogance unable to hide the nervous sweat beading on his forehead. The other directors shifted in their seats, eyes darting between us like spectators at a prizefight.

"Didn't Matthew have something to share with everyone today?" I kept my voice casual as I settled into my chair. "Brandon, do you really want to do this?" Matthew's attempt at confidence couldn't hide his unease.

"Uncle Matthew, you should know how I operate by now."

"What if I refuse?" His voice took on an edge of desperation. "You know that even though my shares aren't the majority,I still-"

"There are no 'buts'!" I cut him off sharply. "I've never liked negotiating with people who don't have enough chips to play with."

"Would you like to see what these documents contain?" I spread them across the table with deliberate precision.

"I don't believe you have anything on me." Matthew's voice cracked with false bravado. "Johnson's evidence might get me jail time at worst,but I've already sold my shares. Brandon, you think you can threaten me with this?

"Impossible!"

"This can't be!"

"How could this happen?"

One of Matthewv's allies spoke up, his voice dripping with disdain. "That's right! The annual dividends from Stark Group aren't even worth mentioning.These past few years under your leadership, Brandon, every shareholder has been suffering. We've thought it through - rather than slaving away under you, we might as well sell our shares and enjoy life." "Now that the shares aren't in our hands, we're naturally no longer Stark Group shareholders," Matthew's smirk widened. "Brandon, you think your threats still work on me?" "Mr. Matthew, don't you want to take a look?" James's professional tone carried just a hint of satisfaction.

Matthew's hands trembled as he read the documents. "You... you actually...

"

"If you had submitted your resignation earlier, this file would have remained sealed forever." I watched his face crumple as the truth sank in.

"How did you know? I don't believe it."

"Money laundering overseas, dealing with arms dealers - these aren't minor infractions." I leaned forward slightly. "Stark Group has always operated cleanly. My grandfather may have stepped down, but his rules still stand."

"When did you find out?" Matthew's voice shook. Then understanding dawned in his eyes. "You planned this all along? Letting Sarah get away?Making us sell our shares? So our shares are now..."

"At least you're not completely stupid, Uncle." My smile held no warmth. "Too bad you realized too late."

"Hah, truly a Stark, truly Robert's son!" Matthew's laugh was bitter and sharp. "Plotting against your own family - Brandon, are you even human?"

"Are you my family?" The words dropped like ice into the silence.

A knock at the door interrupted whatever he'd been about to say. "Mr.Stark, the police are downstairs for a routine questioning. They're asking for Mr.Matthew.""Brandon, you think this is enough to take me down?" Matthew's voice took on a desperate edge. "Let mé tell you, I have evidence about Sarah-" ′′Isthat so?" I met his gaze steadily. "Try it. I never fight battles I'm not certain to win, Security! Please escort Mr. Matthew and his associates out to meet the police."

"Brandon, you'll die a horrible death!" Matthew shouted as he was led away.

"Mr. Stark, Miss Sarah is here to see you! She's already in your office." My secretary's voice carried through the intercom.

"I know."

When I entered my office, Sarah was already there, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap.

"Brandon!" The relief in her voice was palpable.

I paused, my hand resting on the door handle. "This is the company."

"Mr. Stark." She corrected herself reluctantly. "Mr. Stark, I came today to..."

"To ask about today's outcome?" I settled behind my desk.

"You... Matthew didn't resign?"

"After working with him for so long, surely you know what kind of person he is?"

"So you knew everything," She studied my face.

"Yeah." "But what about his other shares in Stark Group? If he and the others sold them to outsiders, wouldn't that put the company at risk?" I slid a folder across the desk. "They're in my hands."

"What?"

"He dumped his shares last night - moved even faster than I expected."I leaned back slightly. "And now I'm giving you your rightful portion.Angela needs you. She's still young."

Her hands trembled slightly as she realized what I was offering - not just documents, but financial independence. Freedom from Matthew's manipulation.

The relief that flooded her face made her look young again- like the sister who used to sneak me cookies when Grandfather's tutors were being particularly harsh. "Brandon, I..."

"That will be all." I turned my attention to the files on my desk, a clear dismissal.

She paused at the door. "Brandon, if you ever need anything, I'll definitely help."

I just smiled, offering no response.