Chapter 6 - The Terms of Surrender
Richard Mercer looked up from the floor, his face wet with tears. “Is there... is there anything we can do, Mrs. Bennett? Any restitution? Any public apology? We will pay whatever fine you ask! Just please... ask your husband not to destroy our companies!”
I looked at Daniel. He met my gaze, giving me a subtle nod that communicated total trust. Whatever decision I made, he would enforce with the full weight of his empire.
I leaned back on the sofa, folding my hands in my lap.
“I will not ask Daniel to restore your original deal,” I declared firmly.
Thomas Caldwell let out a pathetic groan, covering his face.
“However,” I continued, raising my hand to pause his reaction, “I will not let three hundred innocent employees at Mercer Urban and Caldwell Capital lose their jobs and livelihoods because their CEOs raised sociopathic children.”
Richard Mercer looked up, a tiny glimmer of desperate hope appearing in his eyes. “What... what are you proposing?”
“Here are my terms,” I said, my voice clear and precise.
“First: Richard Mercer and Thomas Caldwell will immediately resign from your positions as CEOs and surrender your voting control shares in both companies. You will step down with zero severance packages.”
Richard gasped, but I gave him no time to speak.
“Second: Bennett Global will execute a complete corporate buyout of Mercer Urban and Caldwell Capital at distress value. The companies will be merged into a new subsidiary owned entirely by my independent foundation—The Grace Bennett Community Trust.”
Thomas Caldwell’s jaw dropped. “A... a community trust?”
“Yes,” I stated calmly. “The profits from the waterfront redevelopment project will no longer go toward buying sports cars for Evan or designer bags for Sloane. One hundred percent of the net proceeds will be directed into building affordable housing, funding service-worker healthcare grants, and supporting anti-bullying education programs across Texas.”
Sloane stared at me in complete disbelief.
“And third,” I added, looking straight at Sloane and Evan. “The civil litigation against the two of you will proceed as planned. You will perform five hundred hours of mandatory community service—specifically working the dishwashing and sanitation shifts at local homeless shelters.”
Silence hung heavy over the penthouse foyer.
“You have one hour to sign the preliminary transfer agreements, Richard,” Daniel spoke up, his powerful voice settling the matter permanently. “Accept Mrs. Bennett’s grace, or face total personal liquidation by Monday morning.”
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Richard Mercer looked at his crying daughter, then looked at his ruined legacy. He wiped his face with his sleeve and bowed his head to the marble floor.
“We accept,” Richard whispered. “We accept every condition.”
