Apr 23, 2009 10:37
Chapter 6
"Maxwell Lamberti ?"
"Present."
Christian glanced at his watch. Nikolas had better not miss this meeting.
Where the hell is he?” Christian checked his watch again. He left Nikolas & Reign in his office fifteen minutes ago.
"Nikolas Lamberti?."
"He's on his way. But we can start discussions without him, I assume
there are no objections."
"Aren't you holding his proxy?" Armondo Penrial Vice President of Lamberti Inc. looked at his watch.
"Excuse me."
he picked up his phone.
"Mr. Penrial, Mr. Lamberti has just submitted his marriage certificate. He wishes for his name to officially be submitted to the board . ." Ms. Thomas stated simply to her boss..
"Thank you ."Mr. Penrial smiled warmly into the phone. There’s definitely going to be some fire works this morning. He thought to himself , as his eyes fell on Maxwell Lamberti.
Armondo studied the younger man. Truth be told, he’d never liked his friend & mentors, only surviving son. He’d watched both boys grow into adult hood. Where Nikolas jr. was polite, intelligent and ambitious. Maxwell was hard and cold. Armondo always thought he was border line cruel. Their was just something in his eyes that he just didn’t like. He had no code. Unlike he and Santino there where certain lines that weren’t crossed. Maxwell seemed to thrive on ruining people. He took pleasure from it. If there was a way of over taking a company, with the minimum loss of jobs. Armondo & Santino took every step possible to ensure the security of the companies workers. Not Maxwell the bottom line was the Almighty dollar.
Now with his friend lying on his death bed. Maxwell had his eyes set on the biggest prize of all. His fathers 25 % coupled with his 10% He would have controlling interest in the company. By all intent and purposes. He’d be able to single handed run the company.
Unofficially of course."But with young Nikolas stepping in. This might just wipe that smug grin right of Maxwell face, He had no doubt that Nikolas would procure the majority of the votes. After all Maxwell had butted heads with more than one of the board members, over the years, and if the rumors where true.
Maxwell was buying up stock left and right. But Christian had taken proactive measures against that method of Maxwell seizing power of the company.” Armondo leaned back in his chair, and rested his hands against his ample stomach. “Fire works indeed.”
"Sorry I'm late." Nikolas came in and sat down. "But I had some private business to take care of.”Nikolas smiled at the room until his eyes landed on his uncle, then it turned into a dark scowl. Maxwell nodded his head and Smiled smugly at his nephew. Enjoying the reaction, that his presence provoked in his nephew.
Murmurs of acknowledgment filled the room .
Armondo called the meeting to order.”Good Morning Ladies & Gentlemen. As you all know the purpose for this emergency meeting is to elect a new president. As you know. The president and CEO of this company is in failing health. I have been acting as temporary president. As you can all see by my balding head and expanded belly......I am well past my prime, and the task of running this business must fall on younger shoulders.
Some one who can offer a fresh perspective, someone who can infuse the company with new blood and ideas. We have two excellent candidates. Both of whom have experience. Most of you already know Maxwell Lamberti by reputation. Armondo artfully made “reputation sound like a four letter word . He nodded in Maxwell direction.
Maxwell was to busy wondering about who the second candidate could be, to pay attention to Armondo’ sly insult. He was fairly sure that both of his pompous, righteous nephews loved chasing skirts too much to actually have gotten married. As was the requirement.If that was the case He’d have to act fast.
Also vying for the position is Nikolas Lamberti the III. I’m sure many of you have heard of his
accomplishments...in New York & Miami.....California, & Texas... I believe?” Armondo asked looking at Nikolas for conformation.
“That’s correct.” Nikolas replied.
“Nikolas & his brother have single handedly built the American branch of Lamberti Inc.” Armondo patted Christians back smiling proudly. a small round of applause broke out around the table.
“”Excuse me.....& please correct me if I’m wrong....but neither one of my nephews are married . The by laws of this company, clearly state.....that any acting of sitting president must be married.”Maxwell said to the room,never took his eyes off nikolas.
“I am well aware of the by laws of this company, as I was present when many of them were put into effect. I even wrote a few my self. “ Now your nephew has submitted his marriage license, as verification. There are copies being made as we speak. It will be available to every one present. Now if we may continue?”
“No...we may not continue.”Maxwell barked in a harsh voice, drawing everyone’s attention.”We will not continue until I....AM.....SATISFIED....at this marriage validity.”Maxwell slammed his fist against the table emphasizing every word..He pushed himself away from the table, and stalked toward Armondo snatching the marriage license off the table.
“Are you quite satisfied now,.......UNCLE?” Nikolas smirked rivaled Maxwell’s glare of contempt.
“Maxwell.....if you would be so kind, & return to your seat, we may continue with the business at hand. Armondos
voice betrayed his annoyance at Maxwell’ little tirade.
Maxwell had no choice but to return to his seat & bide his time. If this pest thought he was going to outsmart
him. He'd just have to take care of it. The same way he took care of his dear brother.
"Now....Are all the stock holders present and accounted for. Jerry you hold Santinos proxy?." He asked a young blond man, with a point face, and a weak chin.
"Yes Sir." The young man answered.
"Buy a show of hands please. All those who cast their vote For Mr. Maxwell Armondo. ”Armondo’s eye flitted around the room counting silently.” Have you got that Jerry?"
"Yes Sir. four votes for the elder mr. Lamberti."
Maxwell facial expression gave away nothing, his posture relaxed, but his hands told another story. His fist clenched so tightly, his knuckles white against his olive skin
"Good man. Now all those in favor of Nikolas. Raise your hands please." An overwhelming amount of hands raised, including Christians, Armondo & and Jerry's Santino's proxy.
"The official count on that Jerry?"
"That's sixteen sir."
"Congradulations Nikolas." Armondo walked around his chair to clap Nikolas on the back. Applause broke out around the room. The majority of the stockholders were pleased that they had another choice than Maxwell. Most if not all despised the man. And they all agreed that new ideas were needed to take the company into the future.
The company's stock price had taken a steep fall due to Santino's illness, and subsequent absence. Maxwells presence had done nothing to improve the companies standing.
Nikolas made himself a fortune running the American branch of Lamberti Inc. Most of sixteen that who vote for him agreed that he'd do the same for them.
The stockholders filed out of the office, after offering Nikolas congratulations. Christian shook his brothers hand. "You did it Nikolas, Congratulations." Christian smiled broadly at his brother.
"Did you ever doubt it?" Nikolas asked
"No.....I knew you would. You always mange to get what ever you set your eyes on." Christian said while rocking back & forth on the balls of his feet. "It's a cou."
"You might have won the battle Nick my boy.......But it's not over. Not buy a long shot." Maxwell hissed at his nephew in Italian.
"Are you threatening me UNCLE?" Nikolas asked coldly. His whole body went rigid. As he narrowed his eyes at his uncle.
"No.......NO........No........You miss understand me NIKO." using the pet name his brother affectionately christened his son, from the time he was born."It's....... just.......a........simple.......statement.....of the facts." Stepping completely
infront of Nikolas blocking Christian off. "You know your father tried to take what was mine once, & we all know what happened to him. A Tragic boating accident took him away from his wife and young children......"
"Why...You Son of a BITCH."Nikolas cried as he launched himself at his uncle ready to take his head off.
"No Nikolas." Christian cried pushing his uncle out of reach of his brothers fist." Nikolas , don't listen to him. The bastard just trying to bait you. Don't give him the satisfaction. “ Christian felt Nikolas body relax slightly, and took the opportunity toturned toward his Uncle. the two brothers face a mask of fury. "Don't you ever mention our fathers name again. Or you will be the one to suffer a tragedy." Christian's word were low but they dripped with ice.
"Alright boys...I accept your challenge. I will prove that this marriage of yours is a farce." Maxwell waved the marriage licence infront of Nikolas's face."& When I do......I'll find some way to bury you with it."
Reign stood in the doorway watching the exchange, between the three men who all bore a strong resemblance to one another. No one had to tell her that the older man that Nikolas almost attacked was his Uncle.
He was the older version of Christian & Nikolas. "Nikolas?" Reign called as she walked into board room. Maxwell eyes devoured the young woman who walked in on their little family meeting. He instantly took in her white dress. His eyes flew to her left hand. The emerald ring and platinum band confirming his assumption. So this is Nikolas's wife. How interesting. He thought to himself.
Reigned walked straight to Nikolas. Nikolas instinctively pulled her behind him. Her hands clasp in his. He didn't like the way Maxwell eyes seemed to be stalking his wife. As if she were some kind of prey.
Maxwell easily slipped into charm mode. "So, Am I to assume that this is your bride? Nikolas where are you manners?" his smile almost an exact replica of Nikolas. Except his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. They looked empty.
Reign felt Nikolas's handed tighten around her own. Reign stepped from behind Nikolas,
"My name is Reign Moreno Lamberti." I made sure to Stress the Lamberti.
"May I be the first to welcome you to the family. my dear" Maxwell swept her unoccupied hand up in his own.
"Thanks, but Christian already beat you to it." I slipped my hand out of his own. This guy gives me the creeps. I thought to myself.
Maxwell smiled at nikolas as if he knew something he didn't. "I know it was short notice Nikolas, but couldn't you have found a white one. I mean whores are a dime a dozen." Maxwell said in Italian. smirking arrogantly.
Christian breath caught in his throat. Nikolas pushed Reign out of his way as he threw a right hook that caught his Uncle square in the mouth. Knocking Maxwell back against the table. Nikolas grabbed Maxwell by his tie, and twisted it. Cutting of maxwell air pipe.
"If you ever.........ever disrespect my wife again in or out of my presence." Nikolas twisted the burgundy tie once more, causing Maxell's eyes to bulge.
"Christian Stop him. He's going to kill him." Reign yelled at Christian who just stood there enjoying
himself.
"My wife seems to have taken the words right........out.......of........my mouth."Nikolas hauled back and punched Maxwell in the nose. The sickening crunch echoing in the room, signaled that Nikolas had broken his Uncles nose.
Reign watch Nikolas release his uncle and he slipped to the floor, like an empty sack. Reign took several steps back as Nikolas came towards her. There was blood on his knuckles. His face a stone mask. His eyes were ablaze with a barley restrain fury. That scared the holy shit out of her. She'd seen that look before. A long time ago, the same
night her mother had been killed.
Nikolas noticed that Reign seemed to be in shock. He quickly schooled his expression. and stepped towards her. She back away from him, and turned on her heals and all but ran from the room.
"You little piece of shit. You BROKE my nose."Maxwell cried in a chocked voice, breathing heavily through his mouth.
"That's not all, I'll break if you ever so much as go near Reign again...much less speak to her."Nikolas said
squatting down close to his uncle. "Oh......and one more thing. If I find out you had anything to do with fathers death......I'll arrange for you to have a a little one on one time with the sharks on Capri." Nikolas stood to his full height, and smile down at the miserable excuse for a man. His eyes held a slight manic look, and walked out of the boardroom. Maxwell felt fear for the first time, since he had his brother killed. Nikolas truly was his fathers son.
Christian walked over to his Uncle, and threw his head back in laughter. The action caused Maxwell to flinch. He'd forgotten his younger nephew was still in the room.
"Bad move Uncle Maxwell. Bad move. You've just started a war. You've no chance of winning. Nikolas is not alone. Like our father was. Grandfather may underestimate you, but I won't make that mistake."
Christian walked towards the door ,turned around to face his uncle again."Oh, by the way Uncle. If you ever let the devil fool you, into doing something regrettable, against me or my brother." Christian shook his head from side to side smiling. His voice heavy with an unspoken threat.
"Trust me when I say...You'd never live to see the light of day again. Have a good day. You should really have that nose looked at. It's quite nasty looking." Christian said leaving the room.
Jerry walked into the boardroom and found Maxwell slumped over on the floor moaning. "Mr. Lamberti, are you alright?"
"Get away from me....You idiot. Those bastards. Think they can threaten me.....They made a bid mistake."Shame & embarrassment colored Maxwell’s face a deep puce. Making him look like something out of a Warner brothers cartoon.
He looked at jerry ashen face. The sight of all that blood made Jerry nausious. "I want a full back ground check on Reign Moreno. Now" He shrieked.
"Yes sir."
"And Jerry, Not a word of this to a soul."
"Yes Sir." I'm so tired of these rich asswhole. Jerry this........Jerry that, But one of these days I'll have enough on all of you gits. And then we'll see who the yes man will will be then. Jerry smiled to himsellf, as he thought of how he'd be able to lay back live the life he truly deserved.
Maxwell winced as he felt his nose. "You'll pay for this Nikolas......Revenge is a dish best served cold. Your father learned that the hard way. & so will you."
(C)