Chapter 12 - The Vote Against His Wife
Khloe did not speak.
Marcus continued.
“The trust succession occurred during an extraordinary personal crisis.”
“For the protection of every shareholder, I believe an outside court should confirm its validity.”
Damian slowly smiled.
Khloe saw it.
So did Marcus.
Marcus continued.
“Until then, no member of the Thorne family should exercise disputed voting authority.”
Damian’s smile vanished.
“What?”
Marcus looked at his father.
“That includes you.”
Silence.
Marcus displayed an attachment to his motion.
If approved, Khloe’s thirty-one percent would be temporarily abstained.
Damian’s twelve percent would also be abstained because of the ongoing investigation.
Marcus would voluntarily abstain his eighteen percent.
For the first time in decades, independent directors would control Thorne Global.
Khloe understood.
Marcus was not taking her power.
He was removing his own too.
Damian exploded.
“You idiot.”
Marcus remained calm.
“You taught me the company mattered more than the family.”
“I’m finally following your advice.”
Damian turned toward the board.
“This motion is insanity.”
Dr. Naomi Bell spoke.
“I disagree.”
Rebecca nodded.
“So do I.”
The vote passed narrowly.
Khloe hated the result.
Yet she understood it.
Marcus had created a firewall.
Damian could not claim Khloe had used newly transferred shares to seize the company.
An independent court would validate everything.
Khloe looked at Marcus.
He looked back.
Neither smiled.
After the meeting, he called her privately.
She answered.
“You could have warned me.”
“I know.”
“Then why didn’t you?”
“Because my father watches every communication channel available to me.”
Khloe almost laughed.
“You’re becoming very skilled at using secrecy as justification.”
Marcus accepted that.
“I deserved that.”
“Why should I believe this was necessary?”
“Because Damian was preparing an emergency lawsuit accusing you of conspiring with Vincent.”
“If I openly supported you, he would argue the entire family dispute contaminated the board.”
“So you attacked both sides.”
“Yes.”
Khloe stared at him through the screen.
“And what happens when the court validates my trust?”
Marcus answered without hesitation.
“You vote however you want.”
“Even if I remove you?”
“Yes.”
“Even if I divorce you?”
His expression changed.
“Yes.”
Khloe looked away.
Marcus spoke softly.
“I’m not trying to save our marriage anymore.”
“I’m trying to stop making you pay for my choices.”
Khloe ended the call.
That afternoon, Isabella was formally charged in connection with the assault.
Her attorney immediately issued a public statement.
It claimed Isabella had been manipulated by powerful people inside Thorne Global.
It said she possessed evidence proving the attack was part of a corporate scheme.
Khloe read the statement twice.
Then Rebecca called.
“Isabella wants immunity.”
“In exchange for what?”
“Documents.”
“What documents?”
Rebecca hesitated.
“Messages between Damian and another person.”
Khloe assumed Marcus.
She was wrong.
Rebecca sent the first screenshot.
Damian’s message was clear.
Keep Khloe isolated.
Make sure she doubts Marcus.
May you like
The reply came from a number Khloe recognized immediately.
Her uncle Vincent.
