Page 114 of Mr. Almost

“Any day you want.”

As the guys come back to the apartment, I push Chloe into the kitchen with boxes.

Looking around at everyone who showed up to help, I realize that my little family has grown quite a bit. I couldn’t be happier.

MASON

The room is exactly how it should look. Usually, when I come here, there are no nerves whatsoever. I’m the CEO for a reason. I own the position and back down from no one.

Today is different, though. I know that what I am going to ask today isn’t something simple. It’s going to ruffle a lot of feathers. As much as I hope it passes, I know it likely won’t. Not when I know who’s on the board. Still, it’s worth a shot. This way, when shit hits the fan, I can say I tried to do something before it went down.

“Are you sure you want to do this? This is going to be very public if they approve,” Eli asks me for what seems like the millionth time.

“I can’t let her have any possible way of weaseling back in. It’sgoing to suck. My father’s and grandfather’s legacy will be tarnished, but it needs to be done. She has been trying to use the foundation to get to me. I don’t want her to have any reason to see me.”

“I support you. I just want to be sure you thought this over.” He stands beside me as the board members start filtering in.

“They are my priority,” I whisper.

“As they should be.”

Then we step forward together as if we had planned it. We greet the board members together, getting everyone settled. The meeting is the usual bullshit. Reports and updates. Then they open the floor to new business. Eli and I are the only ones proposing new business this time around.

“I want to propose we cut ties with The Williamson Foundation,” I start.

“Under what grounds?” Mr. Kennedy, my father’s close friend, asks.

“My mother is running The Williamson Foundation. While it has been connected in the past, I do not agree with the steps my mother is taking. I believe if we continue to be connected with the foundation, her actions may negatively affect our business holdings.”

“In what ways? That is your mother. You really want us to believe it’s in the company’s best interest to separate the two when they share a name?” Mr. Lingle pipes in.

“I believe my mother has declined since my father died. I’m not sure her ideas are sound anymore. We are concerned that if her erratic behavior continues, she could make a misstep that will tarnish the Williamson name. While we are connected, that impact will be greater than if we were to separate.”

I knew this would be a fight, but I don’t think any of them are taking this seriously. I wonder how many are in my mother’s pockets already. Have I been that blind?

“Do you have proof of this erratic behavior?” Mr. Kennedy asks.

“She’s smarter than to leave proof,” I admit.

“So you are asking us to get involved in your family spat with noproof of the behavior that you speak of?” Mr. Kennedy has obviously already made up his mind.

“It’s not a family spat. Yes, I have distanced myself from my mother for personal reasons. As has Max. If anything, that should be an added reason for the company to also distance themselves. Why would I do that if it weren’t serious?” I ask.

Mr. Kennedy shakes his head. “What better way to stick it to your mother than by removing her influence on the company you run? I am sympathetic to your reasoning. I really am. However, this is a business. We cannot make decisions based solely on your word and faith. Your mother has done nothing to harm the image of the foundation or this company. Being on the board of both, I see no reason to grant your request.”

I want to scream at him. How can he not see what my mother is really like?

Instead, I tell him, “Maybe your involvement with both boards should exclude you from voting then. Conflict of interest and all.”

“Even if he does, he makes valid points. If you bring us solid proof that your mother is engaging in harmful business practices, we would have no choice but to act in the best interest of this company. Until then, I agree with Mr. Kennedy. We have no reason to sever ties with The Williamson Foundation. Are we ready to vote on this matter?” Mr. Lingle asks.

Everyone agrees and quickly votes against my request.

“Thank you for your time, gentlemen. Meeting adjourned,” I tell them afterward.

After the meeting, Mr. Lingle stays behind. Once everyone is gone, he shuts the door.

“I believe you, Mason. I have known your family for a long time. I agree that your mother seems to be declining mentally. The last time I saw her, she seemed a bit unhinged. Be careful with her. She always was conniving. Your father kept her in check, but without him here, she is way too ambitious.”

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