The boardroom felt like a battlefield as Brandon finished his presentation about potential acquisitions. His proposal to purchase TechFlow Solutions and DataStream Analytics represented investments that would position Nexus perfectly for the next decade of technological evolution, but the executives' faces showed nothing but skepticism.
"Mr. Carter," said Thomas Walsh, his tone carefully neutral, "you're asking us to spend sixty million dollars on two relatively small companies with modest revenue streams."
"Companies that complement our existing capabilities perfectly," Brandon replied. "TechFlow's artificial intelligence algorithms will enhance our cybersecurity platform, while DataStream's analytics engine will revolutionize our social media offerings."
Michael Stevens leaned forward with obvious doubt. "These aren't established market leaders. They're startup companies with unproven business models. Why should we risk such significant capital on speculative investments?"
Brandon had prepared for this resistance, but he couldn't exactly explain that he knew these companies would become industry giants because he'd seen their future success in his original timeline.
"The technology speaks for itself. Their AI capabilities are at least three years ahead of current market standards, and their data processing algorithms solve problems that most companies don't even know they have yet."
"That's exactly the problem," Walsh replied. "We'd be buying solutions for problems that may never materialize."
Elena had remained quiet throughout the presentation, but Brandon could see the conflict in her expression. She understood the potential value of his recommendations, but the executive team's resistance was clearly weighing on her decision-making.
"I need time to consider this proposal," Elena finally said. "We'll reconvene tomorrow to make a final decision."
---
Elena wasn't surprised when her father appeared in her office the next morning without an appointment. William Pryse had built his business empire by staying informed about every significant decision, and a sixty-million-dollar acquisition certainly qualified as significant.
"Elena, I'm not happy with what I'm hearing about these proposed purchases," he said without preamble, settling into the chair across from her desk.
"The companies represent strategic investments that could—"
"They represent risky speculation based on the recommendations of a single employee," William interrupted. "When I handed you control of this company, I expected you to make sound business decisions based on careful analysis, not impulsive investments driven by personal favoritism."
Elena felt her temper flare. "The massive growth we've experienced over the past year wasn't luck, Father. It was the direct result of Brandon's strategic vision and technical expertise."
"Growth that was admittedly impressive," William conceded, "but success in one area doesn't guarantee success in another. Investing sixty million dollars in random companies just because Brandon Carter recommends them isn't prudent business management."
"These aren't random companies—"
"Elena." William's voice carried the authority that had commanded boardrooms for five decades. "You will not make these purchases. And you will stop delegating major business decisions to Mr. Carter. He's an employee, not a business partner."
The silence stretched between them like a chasm. Elena understood that this wasn't a request or a suggestion—it was a direct order from the company's chairman and majority shareholder.
"The decision has been made," William continued more gently. "Focus on consolidating our current success rather than chasing speculative opportunities."
---
Brandon could see the conflict in Elena's expression as soon as he entered her office. Her usual confidence was replaced by something that looked like resignation mixed with frustration.
"I've made my decision about the acquisitions," she said without preamble.
"And?"
"We won't be moving forward with the purchases." Elena's voice was carefully controlled, but Brandon could hear the underlying tension.
Brandon felt a stab of disappointment that went beyond personal or professional concerns. In his original timeline, both companies would become major players in their respective markets. Missing this opportunity meant leaving hundreds of millions in potential revenue on the table.
"Elena, these investments could really increase our revenue streams. The AI technology alone—"
"The decision has been made," Elena interrupted, though her tone suggested she wasn't entirely comfortable with it.
Brandon studied her face, recognizing the political pressures that had influenced this choice. "Your father?"
Elena's slight nod confirmed his suspicion. "There are concerns about... over-reliance on any single advisor's recommendations."
"I understand," Brandon said, though he felt a familiar frustration at having his expertise dismissed due to corporate politics.
---
The economic downturn for Carter Technologies had been swift and merciless. The cheating scandal had cost them three major government contracts, their stock price had dropped forty percent, and industry publications were running articles questioning their "culture of dishonesty."
Victoria sat in her father's office, reviewing damage control strategies with the desperate focus of someone trying to stop a hemorrhaging wound.
"We need to rehabilitate our public image," she said, spreading marketing proposals across Richard's desk. "The fastest way to do that is through high-profile charitable initiatives."
Richard looked up from a particularly devastating quarterly report. "Charity?"
"A major fundraising gala. Something that positions us as community-minded corporate citizens rather than... whatever the media is calling us now." Victoria's smile was calculating. "We invite politicians, business leaders, media personalities. Show them that Carter Technologies is committed to social responsibility."
"That's... actually a good idea," Richard admitted. "What kind of charity?"
"Education technology for underprivileged schools. It's politically safe, socially beneficial, and directly related to our core business." Victoria was already sketching out plans. "We can demonstrate our products while supporting a worthy cause."
For the first time in months, Richard felt cautiously optimistic about their prospects for recovery.
---
Brandon was browsing electronics at the mall when he spotted a familiar figure examining kitchen appliances. Margaret looked older than he remembered, with new lines around her eyes that suggested stress or sadness.
"Margaret?"
She turned with surprise that quickly transformed into genuine pleasure. "Brandon! What a wonderful surprise."
They embraced warmly, and Brandon felt a familiar surge of affection for the one member of the Carter family who'd shown him genuine kindness.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm fine, dear. Getting by." Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "But from what I hear, you're doing extraordinarily well. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished."
"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you." Brandon studied her face, noting the carefully concealed exhaustion. "How are things at home?"
Margaret's expression grew carefully neutral. "Richard is... angrier than usual. He blames you for the company's current state, though I think he knows deep down that his own decisions created most of their problems."
"And Victoria?"
"More or less the same. Focused on image management and damage control." Margaret paused, then added quietly, "She talks about you sometimes. Not kindly."
Brandon felt a chill of concern. "Are you okay, Margaret? Really?"
She hesitated just long enough to confirm his suspicions. "I'm managing. The house isn't the most pleasant place to be these days, but I have my books and my garden."
"Margaret, when you have time—when you need to get away from all that—we should get coffee. Or dinner. I'd like to stay in touch."
Her eyes brightened with genuine warmth. "I'd like that very much."
---
Elena was waiting in her office when Brandon returned from lunch, her expression suggesting she'd been wrestling with internal conflicts while he was gone.
"Brandon, I need to ask you something directly," she said as he settled into the chair across from her desk.
"Of course."
"Do you truly believe—not as my employee, but as someone whose judgment I trust—that TechFlow and DataStream will be profitable investments?"
Brandon met her gaze steadily. "Yes. I believe they represent some of the best investment opportunities available in the current market."
Elena was quiet for a long moment, her fingers drumming against her desk as she wrestled with competing pressures and loyalties.
Finally, she sighed and reached for her phone. "Sarah, please set up meetings with the leadership teams at TechFlow Solutions and DataStream Analytics. We're moving forward with acquisition discussions."
Brandon felt a surge of relief and gratitude. "Elena—"
"Don't thank me yet," she interrupted with a slight smile. "If these investments don't pan out, we'll both be explaining ourselves to a very unhappy board of directors."
"They'll pan out," Brandon said with quiet confidence.
Elena nodded, though her expression suggested she was betting far more than money on his judgment. "I hope you're right, Brandon. Because I just risked everything on your vision of the future."