CHAPTER 63: CHAPTER 63 YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR POSITION HERE

Author’s POV

The sealed bidding results were announced Tuesday afternoon in the vast marble atrium of City Hall.

Representatives from all major development companies sat in tense silence as Commissioner Andrews approached the podium.

"After careful consideration of all submitted proposals," the Commissioner announced with practiced formality, "the West City redevelopment contract is hereby awarded to Wilson Corporation, with their bid of $327 million."

A collective gasp rippled through the Blackwood contingent.

Several members of Ryan’s executive team exchanged worried glances.The project they had spent months preparing for—gone.

Ryan Blackwood maintained his perfect poker face, betraying nothing as Wilson’s team erupted in celebration across the hall.

Mr. Wilson himself made a show of victory, pumping hands with anyone within reach. When his gaze briefly met Ryan’s across the room, his smug satisfaction was unmistakable.

Back at Blackwood Enterprises, the news spread like wildfire.Whispers filled the halls. Departments fell into uneasy silence. No one knew what would happen next—but everyone felt the shift.

The entire company was on edge.

And yet, in the center office on the top floor, Kane Blackwood could barely contain his glee.The emergency board meeting called that afternoon became his stage for attack.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the board," Kane declared as he wheeled himself to a prominent position at the polished mahogany table, "I believe today’s embarrassing defeat demands immediate discussion."

The air in the boardroom grew thick with tension as several board members shifted uncomfortably in their leather chairs.

"With all due respect to my nephew," Kane continued, his voice carrying false concern that fooled no one, "this strategic failure highlights fundamental weaknesses in his leadership.

We’ve invested millions in preparation for a project we’ve now lost. I formally move that Ryan be immediately removed from his position as CEO."

His accusations hung in the air for several uncomfortable seconds.

The board members exchanged worried glances—they’d all heard rumors about the strained relationship between uncle and nephew, but witnessing Kane pounce on a single project failure seemed grossly disproportionate.

Richard Hartwell, one of the senior board members, finally broke the silence, nervously adjusting his silk tie. "For God’s sake, everyone makes mistakes. Blackwood Enterprises has reached its current standing because of Ryan’s exceptional leadership. We can’t negate years of achievements just because one project fell through."

"I absolutely agree," Patricia Morgan added, her Boston accent becoming more pronounced as she grew animated.

"Blackwood isn’t some mom-and-pop shop. Replacing the CEO of a corporation this size isn’t something you decide on a whim after one setback."

Thomas Reynolds, with his gray temples and decades of experience, didn’t bother softening his words.

"Mr. Kane, you’ve only just returned to headquarters. You’re not familiar with many operational aspects of this company. Perhaps you should refrain from making such bold statements in board meetings to avoid embarrassing yourself."

Ryan, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, finally spoke. His voice was calm, almost amused.

“Uncle,” he said, the single word carrying the weight of disdain, “Catastrophic, you say? Interesting—because the board seems to disagree. They’ve reaffirmed their loyalty to me, not you.”

A slow, cutting smile tugged at his mouth. “Perhaps you’ve overestimated your... influence, Kane. That should tell you all you need to know about your position here.”

Color rose angrily in Kane’s face, his knuckles whitening against the arms of his wheelchair.

Before he could spit out a retort, Ryan rose smoothly to his feet, fastening the button of his suit jacket with effortless composure.

“If there’s nothing else of actual substance to discuss, I have a company to run.”

“Don’t get cocky, boy!” Kane snarled, jerking his wheelchair toward the door.

“This isn’t over,” he hissed as he rolled past.

“Oh, I assure you it is,” Ryan murmured, his words low but sharp enough to cut, just loud enough for Kane alone to hear.

This meeting had revealed something crucial to Kane—he could clearly see who stood firmly in Ryan’s corner.

Those who avoided taking sides in the discussion were potentially the ones he could sway to his advantage.

Before Kane’s plan could even begin to unfold, Mr. Wilson from the West City project stormed into his office, face flushed with rage.

"You told me Ryan had been preparing for this bid all along!" Wilson shouted, his Boston accent thickening with anger. "So why the hell does this land require multiple additional approvals that weren’t disclosed?"

He hurled a stack of documents across the desk. Kane’s face hardened as he glared at Wilson.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Kane demanded.

"See for yourself!" Wilson jabbed his finger at the scattered papers. "I invested millions in this deal! If we take a loss, my entire company’s survival is at stake!"

Kane’s assistant quickly gathered the documents and handed them to him. As Kane flipped through the pages, his expression visibly darkened.

The environmental impact assessment alone would cost nearly $2 million, and the historical preservation requirements would delay construction by at least eight months.

How could this be happening?

Wilson, noticing the change in Kane’s demeanor, became even more agitated. "Kane, are you and your nephew playing me? Was this some kind of setup between you two?"

"I’ll kill you for suggesting that!" Kane snarled, slamming his fist on the desk.

As Wilson lunged across the desk, Kane’s security team rushed forward.

The office instantly erupted into chaos, both sides exchanging blows in the confined space. Glass shattered, furniture toppled.

Kane was pushed back into his inner office while his security handled Wilson.

Through the frosted glass, he could see shadows grappling as he continued examining the documents more carefully.

Wilson’s rage was understandable.

What had seemed like a guaranteed profit had turned into a nightmare. The metaphorical cake they thought they were getting was filled with sand.

Kane’s eyes darted across the pages, his mind racing. The truth dawned on him quickly—this had been Ryan’s trap all along.

He’d invested heavily himself, and now that money would vanish like smoke.

Fifteen minutes later, his head of security entered the office, sporting a bloody lip and disheveled suit.

"Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Wilson and his people have left the premises," he reported, straightening his tie.

Kane tossed the documents aside and immediately headed for the family mansion.

At this point, Grandmother Evelyn’s side was his only safe haven. Even if Ryan made a move, he’d have to consider his grandmother’s feelings.

What Kane hadn’t anticipated was the speed of Ryan’s counterattack. Ryan had already reported him for embezzlement and leaking company secrets.

Kane had barely settled into the mansion when his phone buzzed with an alert from his lawyer—he was now a wanted man, and law enforcement officers were already on their way to the estate.

Real fear finally surfaced in Kane’s eyes as he grabbed his mother’s arm.

"Mother, help me!" His voice cracked with desperation.

Grandmother Evelyn hadn’t been aware of what was happening until Kane explained about the warrant. Her face paled with shock.

"Kane, how could you do such things?" she demanded, wrinkles deepening with worry. "What were you thinking?"

"Mom, there’s no time for lectures," he hissed, glancing anxiously toward the window. "Help me get away before it’s too late."

Evelyn’s expression hardened. After a moment of contemplation, she led her son to the basement. She had secretly constructed this hidden space years ago, with mechanisms so intricate that no one could find it without her guidance.

"Kane, hide here for now," she instructed, her voice low as she activated the concealed panel. "Once they’ve gone, I’ll find a way to get you out of the city."

Kane nodded, sweat beading on his forehead.

After closing the hidden door, Evelyn sighed heavily. She had only two sons in her lifetime. Kane, her younger son, had been born late in her life, and she’d always indulged him excessively.

She never imagined he would engage in actions that harmed others without even benefiting himself. Was power worth such desperate measures?

Her mind in turmoil, Evelyn returned to the living room and composed herself. Barely five minutes later, Ryan arrived with law enforcement officers.

The estate was completely surrounded—front gates, back doors, even the garden exits. Not even a fly could escape.

Ryan noticed the tea cups on the table and frowned.

"Grandmother, you already know what’s happening?" he asked carefully.

Evelyn shook her head, sighing. "Ryan, what do you think you’re doing? Surrounding your own family home with officers?"

"Grandmother, you’ve seen Kane, haven’t you? Where is he?"

"Mind your manners!" she snapped. "He is your uncle. Even if he’s only a few years older than you, he’s still your flesh and blood!"

Ryan’s chest rose and fell with controlled breathing. He couldn’t speak harshly to his grandmother, no matter the circumstances.

"He’s committed crimes, Grandmother," Ryan said, softening his tone. "If you help him escape, you could face accessory charges yourself."

Evelyn slammed her hand on the table. "How dare you! Is this how you speak to your grandmother?"

Ryan clenched his jaw and, seeing he wouldn’t get answers this way, instructed the officers to begin their search.

Despite searching several times, they couldn’t locate Kane anywhere in the mansion.

What was happening? Had he somehow grown wings and flown away?

The commotion woke someone upstairs. Serena came down, rubbing sleep from her eyes, her silk robe wrapped tightly around her.

Ryan strode forward and pulled her aside.

"Where’s Kane?" he demanded, his patience wearing thin.