On the 28th floor of Richard Group's headquarters, the boardroom's long mahogany table was lined with the company's core shareholders. The air crackled with the tension of a financial chess match.
Ken sat in the "guest seat" wearing his grandfather's dark gray suit, gripping a Morgan Stanley Financing Success Report in his hand. He'd asked Attorney White yesterday to make sure he had this spot—because today, in front of every shareholder, he was going to settle the score with Sophia.
Sophia (28, second sister, CEO) sat near the head of the table, stealing nervous glances at Ken while fidgeting with the tablecloth. She knew exactly why he was here, but still forced a smile at the shareholders.
"Thanks to all of you for your support. The success of this Morgan Stanley financing was entirely due to the hard work of our team and—"
"And the acquisition plan I revised," Ken cut in, shoving the report to the center of the table. I knew she'd steal the credit last time I helped her. Luckily, I had Attorney White archive all the tracked changes. Today, everyone's going to see who really deserves the credit.
He pointed at the valuation models inside.
"Look here—Chicago branch's asset revaluation logic, and New York branch's revenue adjustment data. All of this was added by me in October 2023. These corrections directly boosted the financing by 15%. Attorney White has the complete edit record."
The room went silent. Several veteran shareholders flipped through the report. A Goldman Sachs rep frowned.
"President Sophia, why weren't these revisions mentioned in your earlier briefings?"
Sophia's face flushed crimson. She stammered, "It was… it was just Ken giving some 'suggestions.' The core framework was still the team's work, so I didn't list it separately…"
"Suggestions?" Ken gave a cold laugh, pulling out a recorder from his briefcase. Knew she'd try that excuse. That's why I brought this. He pressed play.
Sophia's voice filled the boardroom:
"Ken, you have to help me fix this plan. As long as the financing succeeds, I'll tell Dad to give you 5% in preferred shares, with voting rights. That's our deal."
The recording wasn't loud, but every shareholder heard it crystal clear. Sophia froze. Her fingers clenched a pen so hard her nails nearly snapped it in half.
At the head of the table, Richard (father, chairman) turned dark as thunder. He hadn't expected Ken to air a private deal in front of the entire board, making him, the chairman, lose face.
Attorney White, representing the grandfather's trust, spoke at the perfect moment:
"According to company law and Richard Group's bylaws, a verbal agreement plus audio evidence is legally binding. Mr. Ken is entitled to claim the 5% in preferred shares."
Sophia tried to wriggle out.
"But… but the bylaws require unanimous shareholder approval for share transfers. And Ken isn't even a company employee—he's not qualified to hold shares…"
"Whether I'm an employee isn't the point. What matters is I've created value for this company," Ken shot back. Still making excuses? Fine. Let's see you dodge this one.
He pulled out more documents.
"This is my report that closed the New York tax loophole—saved the company two million dollars last year. And this—" he tapped another file, "my recommendation to invest in the Boston clean energy project. Current ROI is already 30%. These are real contributions. So tell me, don't I deserve that 5%?"
The older shareholders exchanged looks. The Goldman rep spoke first.
"From the standpoint of company interests, Mr. Ken has clearly created substantial value. Five percent preferred shares are reasonable."
Others nodded in agreement. They didn't care about family squabbles—profits were profits.
Seeing the tide turn, Richard sighed heavily.
"Fine. We'll do as agreed. The legal department will draft the share transfer agreement next week."
Sophia's eyes welled red, but she didn't dare object. She knew if she pushed back, the shareholders might start questioning her leadership—and even force her out as CEO.
After the meeting, Sophia caught up with Ken in the hallway, seething.
"You did this on purpose! You wanted to humiliate me in front of the shareholders, to steal my position!"
"Steal your position?" Ken leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at Wall Street's traffic. With your abilities, I wouldn't want your seat even if you begged me. What I want is what's rightfully mine—and a say in this company.
He sneered, "All I did was reclaim the shares I was promised. Your embarrassment? Not my problem. When you stole credit for my revisions, did you worry about me being humiliated?"
Sophia choked, unable to respond, then stomped off in frustration. Ken watched her retreat, feeling nothing. In my last life, she built her career off stolen credit—and when Liam framed me, she stood by and watched. Today's humiliation? She earned it.
Back at the Beverly Hills mansion, Elaine (mother) was waiting in the living room with a cup of fresh tea. As Ken stepped inside, she quickly stood.
"Ken, you're home! I… I made some soup for you, it's keeping warm in the kitchen."
Ken ignored the tea. Now she wants to play nice? Where was this kindness when she dipped into my trust fund and helped Liam frame me?
"No need. I've got things to do."
Elaine froze, eyes dimming with guilt.
"I know I was wrong before. I shouldn't have used your trust fund, I shouldn't have favored Liam… Can you give me another chance? Let's be a real family again?"
"A family?" Ken's laugh dripped with scorn. Last life I gave you endless chances. How did that end? Beaten to death in your basement while you all looked away.
He shook his head.
"Mom, 'family' isn't about lip service. It's about sincerity. You, Dad, Liam, Sophia, Olivia—you've never been sincere with me. And now you want to be family? Too late."
Elaine's tears finally fell, but she didn't try to stop him. She knew he was right—they owed him too much.
Ken headed upstairs. Passing Liam's room, he heard the sound of things smashing inside. He smirked. He must've heard I got the shares. Throwing another tantrum? Not my problem. Not this lifetime.
Back in the master bedroom, Ken opened his laptop and updated his checklist: Secured 5% preferred shares in Richard Group.
Next moves:
Push for greater influence on the board and drive the clean energy project.
Launch Ken Music Studio, signing his first new artist—a Boston University music student he'd already contacted. Her voice was distinctive, perfect for his song Orlando.
Staring at the glowing screen, Ken's lips curved into a determined smile. This lifetime, I'm no longer the abandoned, exploited Ken. I'm the true heir of the Howard family—one who can stand firm on both Wall Street and in Hollywood.
Outside, Wall Street's neon lights flickered on, reflecting against his face. He knew his revenge wasn't finished yet—but he'd already taken the most crucial steps.
From here on, every person who wronged him would pay the price.
And Grandpa would see that Ken had lived up to his expectations—becoming a fighter who stood strong for himself.