I Inherited Trillions, Now What?-Chapter 170: Public II

📅 April 7, 2024

Financial Times

"Senior Board Members of Blackwell Investments Decry Desmond Blackwell's Maneuver as 'Illegitimate Hostile Takeover'"

In a strongly worded letter, Blackwell's internal senior leadership called the actions of Desmond Blackwell a "breach of fiduciary duty," accusing him of violating corporate charters and bylaws.

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📅 April 10, 2024

Wall Street Journal

"Desmond Blackwell: 'We Must Build a Future Together, Not Remain Shackled by the Past'"

Desmond Blackwell urges cooperation amid mounting tensions, stating: "True leadership is about sacrificing personal power for the collective future."

📅 April 13, 2024

CNBC News

"Third Hearing Held on Alexander Blackwell Asset Freeze Suspension"

Tensions mount as the court deliberates whether Alexander Blackwell's frozen assets should remain inaccessible pending further investigation.

📅 April 17, 2024

The Guardian

"Judge Leonard Hastings Orders Breakdown of Corporate Warfare and Staff Compensation Packages"

Citing "the necessity of examining the legitimacy of power structures," Judge Hastings demands full disclosure of Blackwell Investments' internal governance and financial allocations.

📅 April 20, 2024

New York Post

"Scandal Deepens: Alexander Blackwell's Daughter Seen with Victim Barbara Longbottom, Calls for Justice"

15-year-old Charlotte Blackwell, emotionally distraught, was spotted with Barbara Longbottom, declaring, "My father is not the man you all think he is he is grieving. He needs help, not hatred."

📅 April 28, 2024

Reuters

"Historic Defeat: Jessica York Loses Third Ever Case in 40-Year Career — Judge Leonard Hastings Rules for Desmond Blackwell"

"Given the allegations of Sexual misconduct, Fleeing and crimes against the United States of America, Alexander Blackwell's assets shall remain frozen indefinitely to protect the financial stability of global markets," Judge Hastings stated in his final ruling.

📅 May 2, 2024

Al Jazeera

"Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain Warn U.S.: 'Alliance at Risk Over Blackwell Saga'"

Middle Eastern powers criticize U.S. actions against Blackwell Investments, hinting at potential economic retaliation. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warns: "The United States risks eroding decades of trusted partnership for a single vendetta."

📅 May 5, 2024

Financial Times

"OPEC Nations Hint at Oil Price Hikes Amid Tensions with Washington"

Analysts predict a spike in global oil prices if diplomatic relations further sour. Russia, Nigeria and China are reportedly ramping up production to counterbalance the Middle Eastern pushback.

📅 May 8, 2024

The Economist

"Blackwell Investments: A Saudi-U.S. Hydra? Questions Rise Over Dual Corporate Nationality"

Financial institutions worldwide debate the emerging concept of "cross-sovereign corporate identity" as Blackwell Investments straddles two economic superpowers.

📅 May 12, 2024

Business Insider

"Elizabeth Usher — Matriarch Moves: Sues Desmond Blackwell for Corporate Malfeasance"

Elizabeth Usher, ex-wife of Cassius Blackwell and mother of Alexander, files a lawsuit accusing Desmond of "gross dereliction of fiduciary responsibility and illegal corporate manipulation to seize control."

📅 May 15, 2024

Los Angeles Times

"Harvey Lancaster, Attorney for Elizabeth Usher, Declares War: 'Desmond Blackwell is Unfit to Run a Lemonade Stand, Let Alone a Global Institution'"

Lancaster vowed to "pursue all remedies available under international law to remove Desmond Blackwell from any position of power."

📅 May 18, 2024

Associated Press (AP)

"Blackwell Investments Rejects Judge Hastings' Demand for Employee Data Disclosure"

Citing violations of GDPR regulations and the protection of sovereign corporate rights under Saudi law, Blackwell Investments formally rejected the U.S. court's request for internal HR disclosures.

World Bank Financial Analysis Report:

"The instability in Blackwell's ownership structure could serve as a catalyst for global oil price volatility and significant shifts in foreign direct investment flows."

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC):

"This case redefines cross-border corporate law and tests the limits of judicial reach between sovereign economies."

Independent Journalist, Lisa Margrave (Crime & Business Beat):

"Desmond Blackwell's strategy wasn't just a business move — it was a coup d'état on a trillion-dollar throne."

Financial Markets Authority of Switzerland:

"The United States risks an economic bifurcation if oil allies pivot towards non-Western partnerships post-Blackwell."

"Order! Order!" the gavel struck firmly against the sound block, the sharp crack echoing across the massive federal courtroom in Washington D.C.

The murmur of the crowd faded into a thick silence, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

Judge Adrian C. Wexler — a towering figure in the American judiciary, whispered about as a frontrunner for the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court — settled back into his high-backed leather chair. His sharp blue eyes surveyed the crowded courtroom: a sea of sharp suits, glittering cameras, and tense faces.

He inhaled slowly.

Even for a man of his stature, this case was colossal. The stakes were unparalleled. Despite his private motion for a closed-door session, he had been overruled. Now, seated behind the plaintiff and defendant teams were senators, top-tier journalists, billionaire financiers, and even the acting Governor of New York.

All here, crammed into the courtroom, laser-focused on him.

He could feel their stares pressing against his skin like hot irons.

Drawing himself up, Judge Wexler cleared his throat and spoke with authority, his voice cutting across the room like a knife:

"Given the extraordinary public interest and the staggering economic consequences tied to this matter, this case has been escalated to the Federal Court. As presiding judge, I will ensure that proceedings remain professional, orderly, and just."

He leaned forward slightly, flipping through a thick folder before addressing the room.

"Now. An overview of the case at hand."

His voice deepened, formal and commanding.

"First, Miss Elisabeth Usher, you have filed a suit contesting the legitimacy of Mr. Desmond Blackwell's acquisition and current standing within Blackwell Investments. You allege that Mr. Blackwell obtained his shares through improper and potentially fraudulent methods. Furthermore," — Wexler's eyes flicked briefly to Desmond, who was smirking in his seat — "you assert that Mr. Blackwell is wholly unfit not only to lead the company but to even bear the Blackwell name."

At that, a small chuckle escaped Desmond Blackwell. It was low, almost teasing.

The courtroom stiffened.

Judge Wexler's sharp gaze landed squarely on him.

"Quiet, Mr. Blackwell," he ordered sternly.

Desmond, without missing a beat, raised his hands in mock surrender.

"Sorry, Your Honor. Sorry."

Wexler merely shook his head once — unimpressed but unwilling to waste energy — and continued, his tone granite-hard.

"This court acknowledges the complexity and gravity of the issues at stake. Blackwell Investments is not just a corporate entity — it is a pillar of the national economy, a titan in global markets. It is my duty to ensure that every argument, every piece of evidence, is given the weight it demands."

He paused, letting the words settle.

"Now then," the judge said crisply, turning toward Elisabeth's side.

"Mr. Harvey Lancaster. We will begin with your opening statement."

Harvey Lancaster — tall, composed, and sharp-eyed — rose slowly from his seat. His jaw was set with determination as he buttoned his dark gray jacket. He walked to the center of the floor with a commanding grace, nodding respectfully toward the judge.

"Good afternoon, Your Honor. Distinguished members of the court."

He adjusted the cuff of his shirt subtly, then spoke with a calm authority that demanded attention.

"This case, at its core, is deceptively simple," he began, his voice measured but firm.

"It is about the sanctity of corporate governance. About ensuring that no individual, no matter their lineage or last name, can usurp what does not lawfully belong to them."

He turned briefly to glance at Desmond's table, his eyes narrowing slightly, before refocusing on the judge.

"Mr. Desmond Blackwell's acquisition of shares was not only improper; it was riddled with legal defects, procedural violations, and a flagrant disregard for fiduciary duties owed to shareholders."

Harvey's voice strengthened as he walked a few steps across the floor, the room hanging onto every syllable.

"Desmond Blackwell's standing within Blackwell Investments has been egregiously overstated. Despite possessing a mere two percent of the company's equity, he has consistently misrepresented himself as a figure of operational authority. Under recognized corporate governance principles — and pursuant to U.S. corporate law — shareholder influence in private corporations is not formally acknowledged unless ownership meets or exceeds five percent. Below that threshold, a shareholder holds no controlling stake, nor any inherent managerial rights. Desmond Blackwell's actions constitute a breach of fiduciary duty, an abuse of perceived influence, and a misrepresentation that has materially harmed the internal and external reputation of Blackwell Investments. His behavior undermines the lawful structure of corporate governance and poses a continuing risk to the company's strategic future."

He leaned slightly forward, lowering his voice for emphasis.

"This isn't just a minor clerical error. This is a deliberate circumvention of corporate law."

A ripple moved through the courtroom.

"Furthermore," Harvey continued smoothly, "Mr. Blackwell's presence at the helm has caused severe reputational harm. Investors are rattled. Internal operations have destabilized. Vital strategic initiatives — including the company's long-planned expansion and move into Saudi Arabia — are now under threat because of his illegitimate interference."

Harvey paused, letting the gravity of his words thicken the atmosphere.

"This expansion," he said, "is not a reckless move, but a deliberate strategy carefully architected over a decade. A plan to secure Blackwell Investments' place in the future global economy."

He stepped back slightly, his voice ringing clear:

"If the court allows this... façade to continue, it would not merely harm one company — it would send a chilling message across corporate America that legal frameworks are optional. That companies can be hijacked, shareholders silenced, and futures mortgaged for vanity."

He bowed his head slightly.

"Thank you, Your Honor."

He turned and returned to his seat. Elisabeth gave him a small, approving nod; Jessica's eyes were burning with fierce satisfaction. Harvey, for his part, merely sat back down — his face impassive, but his fists briefly tightening once under the table.

Judge Wexler then turned his piercing gaze across the aisle.

"Mr. Whittaker, your opening statement."

The elderly man, Mr. Edmund Whittaker, stood up slowly. Though he seemed frail at first glance, there was a sharpness, a weight about him that drew immediate respect. His silver hair gleamed under the lights as he walked calmly to the front, resting his hands lightly on the podium.

"Your Honor," he said with a respectful nod, his voice calm but laced with quiet authority, "Ladies and gentlemen of the court."

He smiled faintly — a gesture both polite and disarming.

"With all due respect to my esteemed colleague, the claims against my client are not only exaggerated, but entirely misplaced."

He took a small step forward.

"Blackwell Investments has long been an institution steeped in tradition and family legacy. It is widely known — and lawfully recorded — that Mr. Desmond Blackwell is today the single largest shareholder. His position was obtained legally, transparently, and without violation of corporate bylaws."

Whittaker's voice remained soft, yet every word landed with the weight of a hammer.

"The allegations brought before this court, while colorful, are ultimately baseless. To paint Mr. Blackwell as an interloper or a usurper ignores the realities of corporate succession and shareholder democracy."

A slight pause — masterful — to let the words marinate.

"My client," he said smoothly, "has the majority stake. That is the irrefutable, lawful, and material fact that this court must recognize."

Judge Wexler gave a slight nod.

"Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. You may return to your seat."

But Whittaker did not move.

Instead, he stood a little straighter, a small glint in his eye.

"I am not quite finished, Your Honor," he said politely.

Judge Wexler frowned slightly.

"Mr. Whittaker, you may complete your thought."

From across the aisle, Harvey's brow furrowed as he leaned slightly forward. Jessica turned, murmuring,

"It's coming,"

Her voice was grave, almost whisper-like.

Whittaker turned away from the judge, facing the packed courtroom.

"My client," he began, his voice steady and rising, "believes that the time has come for a bold, visionary step forward."

The entire room seemed to lean in.

"In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and American ingenuity," Whittaker continued, his words deliberate and electrifying, "Mr. Desmond Blackwell intends to initiate the process of taking Blackwell Investments public."

A gasp — barely stifled — rippled through the courtroom.

Whittaker's next words were a velvet hammer:

"This would allow the American people — investors, innovators, dreamers — to own a piece of one of the greatest companies in history. It would secure Blackwell Investments' future as a powerhouse not just for private gain, but for national prosperity."

He smiled faintly, stepping back with grace.

"My client sees not just a company. He sees a nation's future."