Divorce To Marry a CEO

Chapter 23: The fall of Empire

You can't do this, Alexander," one of the older board members, Mr. Carlisle, finally spoke up. "We’ve been with this company long before you took over. Gerald may have his faults, but the fact remains—he was responsible for keeping certain deals afloat. If you force us out, the entire company will suffer."

Alexander’s gaze locked on Mr. Carlisle, his expression unreadable. "If you think Evans Industries will suffer because of your departure, then you’re overestimating your value." His voice was ice-cold, cutting through the room like a knife. "I don’t care about your alliances with Gerald. This company belongs to the Evans family, and it will be reclaimed. If any of you think you’re going to blackmail me into releasing him, you’re sorely mistaken."

Several board members shifted uncomfortably in their seats. They had underestimated him. They’d thought Alexander’s rise to power was circumstantial, and that without Gerald’s shadow hanging over him, he’d be easier to manipulate. They were wrong.

Another board member, Ms. Langley, who had been a vocal supporter of Gerald, raised her hand. "Alexander, let’s not act hastily. This is a family business. Do you really want the media reporting that you sent your own uncle to prison just to secure power?"

There it was—the threat that had been hanging in the air. The very idea that Alexander was ruthless enough to betray his own blood for the sake of control.

Alexander's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "Gerald didn’t just make mistakes—he committed crimes. This isn’t about family loyalty. This is about justice and saving the legacy of this company from the rot he’s created."

The tension crackled through the room as Alexander’s words sank in. The media had already begun spinning the narrative that he was a heartless nephew, turning on his own flesh and blood to claim power. But Alexander wasn’t concerned about the headlines. He was concerned about one thing—restoring the Evans empire to its former glory, free from the corruption that had taken root under Gerald’s watch.

He stood up, the authority in his posture silencing any further murmurs. "If any of you want to leave, go ahead. I won’t stop you. But I promise you this: the only ones who will suffer are those who continue to align themselves with a man who is facing criminal charges for money laundering, human trafficking, and drug smuggling."

The board members went pale. They had known Gerald was involved in shady dealings, but to hear it spoken so bluntly by Alexander was a shock. It was no longer just corporate politics—this was a criminal investigation that could bring down more than just Gerald.

"Is that a threat, Alexander?" Mr. Carlisle asked, his voice wavering.

"It’s a fact," Alexander replied coldly. "And if you think for one second I’m going to allow anyone who supported Gerald’s criminal activities to remain in this company, you’re mistaken."

Several of the board members shifted uncomfortably, their faces drained of color. They had underestimated Alexander’s resolve—and the depth of Gerald’s crimes.

Without another word, Alexander turned on his heel and left the boardroom, leaving the executives to stew in their fear and uncertainty.

---

Back in his office, Alexander’s assistant, Mark, was waiting with an update. "The media’s picking up the story," he said, glancing at the reports on his tablet. "Gerald’s allies are pushing the narrative that you’re destroying the family legacy to consolidate power."

"Let them," Alexander replied, his voice hard. "The truth will come out soon enough."

Mark nodded. "Speaking of which, I’ve spoken to your grandfather’s lawyer. He’s ready to present the will in court, and we’ve gathered enough evidence to prove Gerald’s illegal activities."