My lips parted. “GreenSphere?”
Van nodded. “It’s a SPAC, and he’s not the only investor. He is MMT. Lena had a suspicion and sent the invitation specifically to bait him to see if he’d show.”
“Logan is the shell company MMT and an investor in GreenSphere,” I said, trying to understand. “MMT was the company that gave Brooklyn money for her education and financed Phillip’s trip to Chicago.”
Van nodded.
“GreenSphere withdrew its offer to buy Marlin’s shares? This means that Logan rejected his brother?”
“Money and governmental investigations carry more weight than blood.”
As eleven o’clock neared, my parents were the last to enter.
Before passing the ten percent back to Van, Lena held the largest percentage of Wade, more than any other investor. No one around the table would yet know about the ten percent switch. Being the one to call the meeting, Lena stepped forward to speak, calling the meeting to order.
She looked down at her wristwatch, her soft brown gaze then going to Van.
He shrugged.
“What?” I asked.
“It’s time.”
Lena stood at the head of the long table and remained standing. “For those of you who don’t know me” —Lena grinned— “I am Lena Montgomery.”
It was difficult not to watch Logan’s nonverbal cues. The man was a charlatan. A wannabe in the presence of high finance. Years ago, he’d tried to stop both Lena and Van. He failed and more importantly, they succeeded. They didn’t need to gloat or boast of their achievements. People with true power never did. It was only the impostors who spoke gregariously about themselves.
The door behind Lena opened.
Oh.
“I apologize that I’m late.”
“Skylar?” I said in surprise.
He lifted his chin and smiled. “Hi, Julia.”
Van’s hand came to the small of my back.
“Why is he here?” I whispered.
“You’ll see.”
After Lena called the meeting to order, she declared the first order of business the vote on the new board. Once the new board was in place, we would discuss Wade’s future.
“I have a list of candidates who have expressed interest.” She scanned from person to person, Logan and my parents included. “Before we take a vote, is there anyone who would like to volunteer?”
Awkward silence filled the room as my mother fidgeted. Finally, she lifted her hand. “This company means everything to me and Gregg. We shouldn’t be shut out.”
“Are you volunteering?” Lena asked.
Mom nodded. “Yes. I volunteer to keep my position as chair until the time comes that our percentage goes to Julia.” She looked around the room. “You’re mostly new. You don’t know this company.”
“Thank you, Mrs. McGrath,” Lena said. “As you all heard, Mrs. McGrath has volunteered for chairperson. I nominate Julia Sherman to the same position.”
Wildly beating, my heart felt as though it was about to jump out of my chest. The weight of the position settled over me.
Next, Lena nominated Skylar as vice chair.