“Who’s done anything in this family to deserve their wealth?” Gabriel asked. “I know I didn’t do anything to deserve the position I’m in.” He wasn’t backing down, and Rene was impressed with the younger man’s spine. “My father walked out and left us nothing. I’m angry with him, but I’ve got to pick up the pieces and make something of my life. What I’ve come to realize is that you’re offering us all something cheap.”

“I’m offering you money.” Charles looked at Gabriel like he was a piece of trash on his shoe. “And I’m not offering you anything at all since you won’t have a job when I take over. You should tell your mother to think about selling her shares because you won’t be welcome in this family again.”

Rene started to step forward, but Louis put a hand on his arm.

“No, this is his moment,” Louis said. “Let him have it.”

This was the moment when Gabriel decided who he was. This was his cousin’s moment to make his stand.

“Do you know what I’ve learned, Charles?” Gabriel asked. “I’ve learned what it really means to be a member of a family. It means taking responsibility and not shoving it off on someone else because you think they have it better than you. It means being strong for the people around you, not using your strengths to force them to do your will. I learned all of that from Rene. Not you. What I really learned from him is that I don’t need quick cash. I need someone who will stand beside me while I build my own world.” He turned to Rene. “I know I have no right to ask this of you, but if you give me another chance, I would like to learn more from you. I will be your most loyal employee. I won’t ever let you down again.”

“I take back what I said about him.” Sylvie proved she had a soft heart. She looked at Rene with tears in her eyes. “You should keep him on.”

“He’s not going to have the choice.” Charles shook his head and turned back to his audience. “Listen, none of you like the way Rene is running the company.”

Cheryl frowned. “I think Rene is running it fine. Why would we put this in your hands? You don’t have a business degree. I know a little about business, and what you’re offering is reckless. Rene has a firm hand. It’s not showy, but it’s kept the company moving forward.”

Marietta sighed and sat back. “Well, I for one wish we could have a CEO who took more chances, but if what Gabriel said is true, we can’t trust Charles. I have to switch my vote. I really did want that yacht.”

“There isn’t a shred of evidence beyond one young man’s word,” Charles said evenly. “And I think Rene put him up to this. It’s his last-ditch effort to keep a job he doesn’t deserve. You can vote for me, Aunt Marietta. I’ll get you that boat. It’s time the company worked for the family and not the other way around.”