The Memory Keeper: The Sin In Our Name

Lucan's POV

The boardroom felt unusually still as I entered, the silence almost suffocating. The new faces in the room were a stark reminder of the shifting tides in the Stanton Corporation. They had promised their investment, but as I took my seat at the head of the table, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into a trap I didn't yet understand.

Mr. Yuri from Biolink Japan sat with his hands folded, his expression unreadable as always. Across from him, Mr. Kim from Ashton Realty in Korea leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes scanning the room. And at the far end, Mr. Wilshire from The Alpha's in the UK, his accent thick and commanding, adjusted his glasses before locking eyes with me.

I had hoped that these new investors would bring fresh opportunities, new alliances that could solidify Stanton Corporation's position in the market. But as they exchanged knowing glances, I realized this wasn't the partnership I had expected. It was more a negotiation, a battlefield where the stakes were higher than I had anticipated.

Mr. Yuri cleared his throat and broke the silence, his deep voice cutting through the tension.

"Lucan," he began, his gaze sharp, "we've reviewed the situation thoroughly. While we are prepared to invest, there are conditions that need to be met before we proceed."

I raised an eyebrow, my pulse quickening. I had expected some conditions, of course-every deal had them-but not the kind of pressure I felt building in the room.

Mr. Kim leaned forward slightly, his voice cool and businesslike. "We are not interested in simply throwing money into a failing company. We want control, Mr. Stanton. A more significant say in the operations. Our terms are clear."

My stomach tightened. This wasn't a partnership; it was a takeover, a subtle one, but a takeover nonetheless. The words "more control" echoed in my mind, threatening to undo everything I had worked for.

I turned to Mr. Wilshire, seeking some clarity. "And what are your terms, Mr. Wilshire?"

He smiled slightly, the kind of smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It's simple," he said, his accent thick with authority. "We want a voice in every major decision, an equal share in the company's vision. We're not here for charity, Lucan. We want to see a return on our investment."

The room fell silent again, and I could feel the weight of their collective gaze on me. This was a play for power, not money-and I had just become the pawn in their game.

As the reality of the situation set in, I clenched my jaw, trying to maintain control. "I'll consider your proposal," I said, keeping my tone neutral, even though every nerve in my body screamed to fight back. "But understand this, gentlemen. Stanton Corporation is my family's legacy. I won't let it be consumed by anyone, no matter how much money you bring to the table."

Mr. Yuri gave a small nod, as if he'd anticipated my response. "We're not here to destroy your legacy, Lucan. We're here to reshape it. If you're willing to work with us, we can help you take Stanton to new heights. But that requires compromise."

I met his gaze, my fingers tapping against the polished wood of the table. This was no longer just about business. It was about survival-of the company, and of everything I had worked for. The stakes had never been higher, and I was left wondering how much I was willing to sacrifice to keep it all intact.

The game had changed. And now, I had to decide whether I was going to play by their rules-or make my own.

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Lucan's POV

The meeting was finally over, but the tension in the room lingered like a storm cloud threatening to burst. I barely exchanged pleasantries with the new investors as I made my way out of the boardroom, my mind racing with the implications of their demands.