Page 44 of Freefall from the Billionaire
Glancing at my watch, I noted that the meeting would start in five minutes. Just as I completed the thought, the chairman, my dad, flanked by his entourage, entered the room. Everyone rose to acknowledge his presence as he took his seat and adjusted the mic.
“Welcome. I’m James Dean Bradley,” Dad began, “Chairman of JDB Investments. On behalf of the directors, the Chief Executive, and the entire team here today, I would like to extend a very warm welcome. Before we open the meeting, I’d like to cover a few housekeeping points.”
As he continued, my thoughts drifted to Clara. How was she doing? I never wanted to leave her side at the hospital. If I could decide based on my feelings alone, I wouldn’t have left her.
“To cover today’s order of events,” Dad continued, “I will first address you as Chair, and then we will hear from our CEO, Jacob Bradley. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to answer any questions about JDB Investments and its performance. We will then move on to the formal business of the meeting. There are four resolutions to consider and vote on, and I will outline the process for discussion and voting at that point. Now, with these formalities out of the way, I am pleased to confirm that we have a quorum. Therefore, I declare the 2023 Annual Shareholders Meeting of JDB Investments open.”
In my three years as CEO, I managed to meet my father’s high standards. JDB Investments was his brainchild, and it took a competent person to partner with him. He held the highest shares in the company and maintained its glory. Though we often clashed, watching him speak, I tried to understand why. Perhaps we were just too alike.
“Now, our CEO, Jacob Bradley, shall address us...” Dad’s words jolted me back to reality.
“Good morning, everyone,” I began, clearing my throat.
As I launched into my address, a new thought took root. Clara’s words from the hospital echoed in my mind. She had hinted at something life-changing, and I knew I had to find out what she meant.
***
I felt a soft touch on my shoulder when the meeting ended. I turned to see Daisy. She was standing close to our father, who looked as unaffected as ever. As a child, I’d grown to believe that he was born with that facial expression until one day when he altered it by laughing at a joke about conglomerates.
“You did well.” He said, gruffly. Then, he walked away with his entourage.
“I know,” Daisy sighed. “He should have at least waited to hear you respond.” She pitifully rubbed my back.
“I’m used to it, Daisy.”
“Hello, Miss Bradley.” Fred, the VP of investments, appeared behind her. His face was lit like he had just stumbled upon a loot of a thousand worlds.
“Hello, Mr. McCallum.” Daisy beamed her beautiful smile.
“It’s so nice to see you. I wasn’t expecting to see you today.” He offered his hand for a shake.
“Yeah, Mom forced me to be here.” She warmly shook hands with him. He kept the contact, conspicuously caressing her palm.
It didn’t seem he was going to release his grip, and he was flirting.
“Daisy, didn’t you mention you wanted to see Clara after the meeting?” I intervened.
“Oh, that’s true. My word, I need to run along.” Daisy, I knew, feigned innocence. I was very much familiar with this dramatic side of hers.
“Sure,” he finally let go of her hand, and she began to walk away.
“Well,” I followed suit.
“Mr. Bradley,” he regarded me.
Soon, we were in the underground garage where the car was. I had told Daisy about Clara being in the hospital, and as expected, she’d freaked out. Now, she wanted me to take her there right away.
“Is there a florist nearby? I’d like to get some flowers for her.” She said, snapping her seatbelt on.
“Yeah, there’s one close to the hospital.”
“Good.”
I started the engine and drove out of the building.
Chapter Thirteen
Clara