Scorned and Reborn

Benjamin leaned back in his new leather chair, gazing around the boardroom with a faint smirk. He had done it. The chairmanship of the Loven Foundation was now his, a symbol of his victory over Mary, a reminder of how he had outmaneuvered her. His phone buzzed with congratulatory messages from the board members who had supported his rise, and he couldn't help but feel triumphant.

But as he sat reveling in his success, the door opened, and his brother, Jack, strode into the room. There was a tension in his expression, something that made Benjamin's smirk fade just slightly.

Jake didn't bother with pleasantries. He looked directly at Benjamin, eyes cold and unyielding. "We need to talk," he said firmly, shutting the door behind him.

Benjamin crossed his arms, leaning back with a smug grin. "Let me guess, here to congratulate me?"

Jacks face remained impassive. "No. Actually, I'm here to remind you of your obligations specifically to Logan Construction. You're already pushing it by juggling these two companies. The board is starting to question your commitment."

Benjamin scoffed. "I have everything under control. Loven Foundation practically runs itself. Logan Construction doesn't need my full attention every minute."

"Is that what you think?" Jake raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by his brother's arrogance. "The board isn't as confident. They're concerned. Dividing your attention between these two corporations is bound to lead to problems."

Benjamin shrugged dismissively. "I'm capable of handling both."

Jack shook his head, sighing. "This isn't just about you. Logan Construction has families depending on its success. With the financial issues we've had over the past year, we can't afford any reckless decisions. Your little power play with Mary has taken enough of your focus."

At the mention of Mary, Benjamin's eyes narrowed. "Don't bring her into this. She's irrelevant now. I have Loven foundation under control, and Logan Construction is stronger than ever. My position isn't up for debate."

"Benjamin, that's where you're wrong," Jack countered, his tone sharp. "You're putting your ego over the well-being of both companies. You need to step down from Logan Construction."

A silence fell over the room, thick with tension. Benjamin clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he glared at his brother. "You think you can come in here and tell me what to do?"

Jack crossed his arms, standing firm. "I'm not telling you. I'm warning you. The board will force your hand if you don't act on this yourself. You can't be the chairman of two major corporations without sacrificing one."

Benjamin laughed humorlessly, the sound bitter. "So, you think you can do better? You want to take over Logan Construction?"

Jacks remained steady, unfazed by Benjamin's attempt to provoke him. "This isn't about me. It's about what's best for the company, and right now, that's not you."

"You don't get to make that decision," Benjamin snapped, standing up from his chair. He towered over his brother, his face flushed with anger. "I've worked too hard to let go now. I earned this!"

"Benjamin, all you've done is take advantage of others," Jack replied, his voice calm yet firm. "You pushed Mary out. You manipulated everyone around you just to climb the ladder. But this can't go on. You're spreading yourself too thin, and it's affecting everyone."

A dark look flickered across Benjamin's face, and he took a step closer to his brother, his voice low and menacing. "You think you can stop me, Jack? I've come too far to let anyone stand in my way."

Jack held his ground, meeting Benjamin's gaze without flinching. "This isn't about stopping you. It's about saving the company from your arrogance. You need to make a choice, Benjamin. Either you step down from Logan Construction, or the board will make that choice for you."

Benjamin's fists clenched as his eyes glinted with rage, the truth sinking in despite his pride. His brother's words had struck a nerve, and he knew that Jacks wasn't bluffing. But he refused to back down so easily, his mind racing as he considered his next move.

The door swung open again, and one of the board members peered in, eyes darting between the two men. "Gentlemen, is everything alright?"

Benjamin forced a tight-lipped smile, his voice dripping with false politeness. "Yes. Just a… family discussion."

The board member looked uncertain but nodded, leaving the door open as he backed out of the room. Benjamin took a deep breath, regaining his composure as he turned back to his brother, his expression hardened.

"This isn't over, Jack," he said, his voice cold. "I'll deal with the board myself. But don't think you can come in here and dictate my future."

Jacks simply shook his head, his face filled with disappointment. "Benjamin, you're making a mistake. If you keep pushing everyone away, you'll end up with nothing."

Benjamin watched his brother leave, the words echoing in his mind even as he tried to shake them off. But the nagging doubt remained, a reminder of the looming threat that could strip away everything he had fought for.

The room felt suddenly empty, and Benjamin stood alone, his victory feeling hollow as he considered the cost of his ambition.