2025-04-14 20:51:03The Silverstone conference room was a war zone masquerading as a meeting space. The smooth mahogany table mirrored the harsh glow of the ceiling lights, and the atmosphere was charged with unvoiced animosity. The board members rested stiffly in their leather seats, their faces displaying a blend of doubt, perplexity, and, in certain instances, blatant contempt.
Johnny Lance stood at the opposite end of the table, his tailored suit pristine, his confidence evident, but his eyes revealed a smoldering anger just underneath. At the other end, Marcus Blackwood reclined with an exasperating grin, his hands folded before him like a waiting hunter.
Elliot Grayson, the chairman, cleared his throat forcefully, capturing the room's focus. “Okay, everyone, let’s begin.” “Mr. Lance, being our latest board member, I hope you've gone over the agenda?”
Johnny responded with a brief nod. "I have looked it over, Grayson." "However, let's not spend time pretending that this meeting was summoned for any other purpose."
Grayson pressed his lips together. “And what might that reason be, Mr. Lance?”
Johnny signaled to Marcus with a quick motion of his hand. Marcus appears to believe he can control how this company runs. I'm here to remind everyone that he does not possess Silverstone. However.
Marcus gave a quiet laugh, leaning in. "Oh, Johnny." Consistently so theatrical. I’m not commanding anything. I’m simply providing guidance, which I’ve done for years to sustain this business. "Naturally, this differs from you."
Johnny's jaw tightened, yet his voice stayed calm. "Correct." Guidance. Similar to when you recommended the board continue investing in unsuccessful projects while workers were being laid off? "That type of guidance?"
Amanda Cho, positioned to Marcus's right, interjected. “Mr. Lance, let’s refrain from making this a personal grudge. "We're gathered to talk about the company's future, not to revisit past complaints."
Johnny lifted an eyebrow. "Past resentments?" "Are you referring to the ones that almost brought this company down before I got involved?"
Marcus angled his head, his grin growing broader. "And precisely what have you accomplished since your arrival?" Oh, hold on—nothing. Aside from inciting protests and negative publicity. “I must confess, Johnny, you’re truly a sight to behold.”
“That's enough,” Grayson said curtly, lifting a hand. “Mr. Lance, Mr. Blackwood, this is not the appropriate setting for personal attacks.” “Let’s concentrate on the schedule.”
Johnny leaned forward, planting his hands firmly on the table. “Fine. Let’s focus. Silverstone is hemorrhaging money. The supply chain is broken, creditors are circling, and morale is at an all-time low. If we don’t act now, this company will collapse.”
Marcus feigned a sympathetic frown. “Ah, yes. The savior complex. Tell me, Johnny, how exactly do you plan to fix all of that? With your charm? Or maybe another flashy headline?”
The room giggled quietly, and Johnny’s hands clenched at his sides.
"I'm pleased you inquired, Marcus," Johnny replied, his tone cutting. "Since I *do* have a strategy." "And, unlike you, I'm ready to back up my words with my cash."
The whispers at the table ceased, and everyone's gaze shifted to Johnny.
Amanda scowled. “What do you mean, Mr. Lance?”
“I’m stating,” Johnny went on, keeping his gaze fixed on Marcus, “that I’m ready to put $50 million of my personal funds into Silverstone.”
The space filled with a blend of gasps and murmurs. Marcus's grin wavered for the first time, giving way to a glimmer of astonishment.
Grayson lifted a hand to hush the crowd. “$50 million?” he echoed, sounding doubtful. "That is… quite a large quantity." "What’s the drawback?"
“No catch,” Johnny said firmly. “This isn’t a loan. It’s an investment. I’ll take on the immediate debts, stabilize the supply chain, and ensure that no more jobs are lost. But in return, I want full control over the restructuring process. No interference from anyone. Especially not Marcus.”
Marcus laughed, the sound loud and mocking. “Oh, this is rich. Johnny Lance, the knight in shining armor, swooping in to save the day. Tell me, Johnny, what happens when your little investment fails? Because we all know it will.”
Johnny’s gaze didn’t waver. “Then I lose $50 million. But at least I’ll have tried, which is more than I can say for you.”
Amanda interjected, her voice cautious. “Mr. Lance, even if your offer is sincere, it’s risky. What guarantee do we have that your plan will work?”
“You don’t,” Johnny admitted. “But look around. Every other option has failed. Marcus’s strategies have bled this company dry. You need someone who’s willing to take risks, not play it safe while everything falls apart.”
Marcus leaned back, his smirk returning. “And you think you’re that someone? You, Johnny, who made his fortune by tearing companies apart? Forgive me if I don’t buy the whole ‘savior’ act.”
Johnny’s voice turned icy. “I made my fortune by seeing opportunities where others saw failure. That’s what I’m offering here—an opportunity. You can either take it or watch this company burn.”
The tension in the room was suffocating. Grayson exchanged a glance with Amanda, then turned back to Johnny.
“This is… unprecedented,” Grayson said slowly. “We’ll need time to discuss.”
Johnny straightened, buttoning his jacket. “You have until the end of the week. After that, my offer’s off the table.”
He turned to leave, but Marcus’s voice stopped him.
“Walking away already?” Marcus said, his tone dripping with mockery. “Typical Johnny. All talk, no follow-through.”
Johnny turned back, his eyes blazing. “You know what your problem is, Marcus? You’re so used to winning by cheating that you’ve forgotten what it feels like to lose. But don’t worry—I’ll remind you.”
Marcus’s smirk twisted into something darker. “Big words, Johnny. Let’s see if you can back them up.”
Johnny didn’t respond. He strode out of the boardroom, Alan trailing behind him.
---
In the hallway, Alan grabbed Johnny’s arm, spinning him around.
“Are you out of your mind?” Alan hissed. “$50 million? Do you even have that kind of cash lying around?”
Johnny shrugged him off. “I’ll make it work.”
“Make it work?” Alan repeated, his voice rising. “Johnny, this isn’t a poker game. You can’t just throw money at the table and hope it sticks.”
“This isn’t about money,” Johnny snapped. “It’s about control. If I don’t take the reins now, Marcus will bury me—and Silverstone along with me.”
Alan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I get that, but you’re risking everything. What happens if this backfires?”
Johnny’s expression hardened. “Then I’ll deal with it. But I’m not going to sit back and let Marcus win.”
Alan shook his head. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Johnny.”
Johnny smirked. “That’s the only kind I know how to play.”
---
Back in the boardroom, Marcus leaned toward Amanda, his voice low.
“He’s bluffing,” Marcus said confidently. “There’s no way he can pull this off.”
Amanda frowned. “You sure about that? He seemed pretty serious.”
Marcus chuckled. “Oh, please. Johnny Lance doesn’t have the stomach for real risk. He’s all flash, no substance. Let him throw his money away. It’ll only make it easier to crush him.”
Amanda glanced toward the door, her expression thoughtful. “I don’t know, Marcus. He might just surprise you.”
Marcus’s smirk widened. “Not a chance.”
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