Chapter 6 - The Corporate Freeze
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The following morning, Grant drove to his company headquarters in downtown Nashville. He hadn't slept. His suit was wrinkled, and the reality of his situation sat heavy on his chest.
He walked into the glass-walled lobby of Mercer Innovations.
His keycard flashed red.
He swiped it again.
Red.
"Mr. Mercer?" the security guard asked, stepping out from behind the front desk. He looked deeply uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, sir. Your access has been revoked."
"Revoked?" Grant echoed, confusion overriding his exhaustion. "I am the CEO. I own this company."
"Actually, Grant, you don't."
Grant turned around.
Standing in the lobby, wearing a sharp, tailored navy suit, was Natalie Pierce. My attorney.
"Ms. Pierce," Grant stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"I represent the majority shareholder of this corporation," Natalie said smoothly, handing him a crisp, white envelope. "According to the mezzanine financing agreement you signed two years ago, defaulting on your operational margins triggers an automatic equity conversion. Your mother and sister embezzled four hundred and sixty thousand dollars. That triggered the default."
Grant stared at the envelope, the color draining from his face.
"My client has converted her debt into equity. She now owns sixty-eight percent of Mercer Innovations," Natalie explained. "The board convened at eight o'clock this morning. You have been removed as CEO, effective immediately."
May you like
"She took my company," Grant whispered.
"She took back what she paid for," Natalie corrected coldly. "You have ten minutes to collect personal items from your office under supervision. Then, you will vacate the premises."
