【FULL】The Shadow Billionair

[00:00:09]1 billion?

[00:00:10]I hit 1 billion.

[00:00:13]Sarah, [snorts] I got to tell Sarah. 7 years, three jobs, 16 hours a day. I sold everything just to give her the life she wanted.

[00:00:20]Now it's all worth it.

[00:00:22]Where's your man?

[00:00:23]>> Always working.

[00:00:24]>> For what?

[00:00:24]>> Buying me a necklace. 3 months, can't even afford half.

[00:00:27]>> Touched?

[00:00:27]>> Disgusted.

[00:00:30]Don't stop, Brody. What he can't dream of, you give without trying.

[00:00:37]>> The mutt?

[00:00:38]>> Look at you, covered in grease, smell like a landfill.

[00:00:42]>> Sarah, I have something to tell you.

[00:00:44]>> What now? Wait a little longer? Next month?

[00:00:48]>> Got it yesterday. 300 grand.

[00:00:50]>> I sold everything for you. My watch, my coat, the only thing my dad left me >> What, want a medal? The more you talk, the sicker I feel.

[00:00:59]>> Your whole month doesn't cover my dinner. Your everything can't buy one bottle for my cellar. Here, buy something that doesn't stink. Sarah.

[00:01:07]>> Stop. You've been on your knees so long, I forgot you could stand.

[00:01:10]>> Just look at this. One look.

[00:01:11]>> Shut up. Whatever that is, you have nothing worth staying for.

[00:01:14]>> We're not the same species. Know your place.

[00:01:22]You said I have nothing worth staying for. 1 billion dollars, enough?

[00:01:31]I need to open an account.

[00:01:32]>> Sir, this is Whitmore Private Bank. The minimum deposit threshold is $5 million.

[00:01:36]For regular savings, you can try the Chase across the street.

[00:01:41]Please, please wait. I'll get the manager right away.

[00:01:44]>> [snorts] [sighs and gasps] >> Did you even read the report? 3 months, 3 months and we got them clean. All you got to do is sign.

[00:01:52]>> Enough. Are you insane? That's client's pension money.

[00:01:55]>> So what?

[00:01:56]YOU'RE FIRED. NOW! SECURITY!

[00:02:01]>> WAITING FOR THAT ROOM? DON'T BOTHER.

[00:02:03]These clowns can't even manage their own money. I heard your pitch. 3 months to get them clean. What, you got a problem with that?

[00:02:12]No, you're exactly who I need. Only someone like you knows how to deal with scum. Set up a shadow fund. You're the face. Everyone knows you. I don't exist.

[00:02:21]Who's the target? Roddy Ashford. The Ashford family. You have a billion dollars could buy his company outright and tell him to his face. Why hide behind the curtain? No.

[00:02:30]I want him to lose everything.

[00:02:32]Without knowing who did it. I want a front row seat.

[00:02:35]Watch him lose everything with my own eyes. Throughout all of it, he needs to see me as a nobody. That's the only way he won't suspect a thing and he'll drown willingly in his own pride. When do we start? The moment you got fired. Step one, snap his cash flow in half.

[00:02:57]>> Mr. Victor, welcome. Mr. Ashford is waiting in the VIP lounge.

[00:03:05]>> Morning, boss.

[00:03:08]>> Pray in the cage?

[00:03:09]>> Doors wide open. He walked right in.

[00:03:18]>> Fish it out. Don't scratch the paint.

[00:03:20]This car costs more than 10 lifetimes of your salary.

[00:03:26]Wait.

[00:03:27]I know you.

[00:03:29]Holy [ __ ] Sarah's little mutt? Parking cars now?

[00:03:33]>> Car will be ready, sir.

[00:03:34]>> You know, Sarah's living in my hillside villa now. First thing she does every morning is laugh at how she wasted 7 years on you.

[00:03:42]>> Enjoy it. You won't be laughing much longer.

[00:03:54]>> Wipe it.

[00:03:56]What? Valet service doesn't include a shine? Or you want to lose this gig, too?

[00:04:00]>> He's not your slave.

[00:04:06]>> Who the hell are you?

[00:04:08]>> I'm front desk staff at this hotel, and you're bullying our employee right at the entrance.

[00:04:13]I've got thought 30 seconds of footage already.

[00:04:15]>> You think a little video is going to do something?

[00:04:17]>> Meridian Capital might care. Potential partner humiliating staff in public?

[00:04:22]How's that look to investors?

[00:04:24]>> Front desk girl, threatening me?

[00:04:26]>> Not threatening.

[00:04:28]Documenting. Leave.

[00:04:31]>> Remember what you just said. You're going to regret it.

[00:04:40]You shouldn't have done that. He'll remember your face.

[00:04:44]>> He already did. So, what?

[00:04:47]>> This girl, she's different.

[00:04:58]Your hands are still shaking.

[00:05:00]>> Not scared. Pissed.

[00:05:02]>> How'd you know he's been talking to Meridian Capital? Front desk wouldn't have that info.

[00:05:05]>> I'm not just front desk. I help accounting reconcile bills on night shifts. Last week the VIP lounge booking had three Meridian names on it charged to Ashford's tab. Wasn't hard to guess.

[00:05:12]>> How long you've been working here?

[00:05:13]>> Two years. Front desk, night audit, sometimes hauling tables for the banquet hall, whatever needs doing.

[00:05:17]>> Why not leave?

[00:05:21]>> My mom's hospital bills. This hotel has the best medical coverage around. I leave, her chemo stops.

[00:05:26]>> So, today you pointed a phone at a guy who could get you fired.

[00:05:28]>> Some things you got to do.

[00:05:30]Otherwise, what's the point?

[00:05:32]>> Thanks for the towel.

[00:05:34]Maya.

[00:05:34]>> Yeah?

[00:05:35]>> Next time you go up against someone like that, don't do it alone.

[00:05:44]>> Boss.

[00:05:45]>> Look into someone. Maya, front desk.

[00:05:48]Pull her personnel file, family background, her mother's medical records, all of it.

[00:05:52]>> Protection or elimination?

[00:05:54]>> Protection. Anyone touches her, I want to know first.

[00:05:56]>> Copy.

[00:05:57]>> The only person in this building with a spleen makes three grand a month at the front desk.

[00:06:04]>> How big's the gap?

[00:06:05]>> 80 mil. His old man's real estate projects have been bleeding out. They're robbing Peter to pay Paul. Brody's hotel investment fund is their last lifeline.

[00:06:12]>> So, we feed him.

[00:06:13]>> Bridge loan, 90 mil. Interest rate so low, he'll think it's Christmas. But the default clause, you wrote it.

[00:06:18]>> My favorite part. Two consecutive quarters of negative cash flow and control transfers automatically. At his burn rate, 6 months, tops.

[00:06:25]>> Not fast enough. I want 3 months.

[00:06:27]>> Then we got to make him burn faster.

[00:06:29]>> What's his biggest weakness?

[00:06:30]>> Vanity. Give him a dollar, he'll spend 10 showing it off.

[00:06:33]>> Tomorrow, you deliver it personally.

[00:06:35]Remember, you're the predator, not the salesman.

[00:06:39]Make him feel like he's the one begging.

[00:06:41]>> Understood.

[00:06:48]>> Did you Did you make an appointment?

[00:06:50]>> 90 million, bridge loan.

[00:06:52]2% annual. You got 48 hours to decide.

[00:06:57]>> 2%?

[00:06:59]This is This is way too good.

[00:07:01]>> My boss sees potential in your hotel portfolio.

[00:07:04]But his patience has limits.

[00:07:05]>> 48 hours, then this offer disappears.

[00:07:07]>> Wait, I'll sign right now.

[00:07:12]>> Smart choice.

[00:07:20]>> Pick whatever you want. 90 mil just hit the account. I'm feeling generous.

[00:07:26]>> What about that McLaren? You said it was too pricey last time.

[00:07:29]>> Babe, nothing's too pricey when you're with me.

[00:07:37]>> 3 days ago Victor closed the acquisition of this dealership. The name on the contract is the Shadow Fund. Brody will never know whose store he just walked into.

[00:07:44]>> Mr. Ashfield, welcome. The McLaren Senna you reserved is ready for viewing.

[00:07:48]>> Look, your ex upgraded from mechanic to janitor.

[00:07:54]>> Don't look at him.

[00:07:55]I don't want today's mood ruined.

[00:08:00]>> Go ahead. The more you spend, the harder you fall.

[00:08:05]>> How much is this one? The Shaitaan Pur Sport, fully specked? 3.8 million.

[00:08:10]>> Write it up.

[00:08:11]>> Woo!

[00:08:16]>> Oh my god, that's That's the Obelion crown.

[00:08:19]I didn't touch it. It fell on its own.

[00:08:21]>> Ma'am, this piece is valued at $5 million. You will be held responsible.

[00:08:25]>> Brody.

[00:08:28]>> 5 million?

[00:08:29]Fine. Add it to the Chiron.

[00:08:31]Put it all on one card. You hear that? 5 mil plus 3.8, didn't even blink. This is the world you'll never touch.

[00:08:46]>> What's it?

[00:08:49]>> Done.

[00:08:50]Balance wipe.

[00:08:52]>> Uh >> What's the hold?

[00:09:03]>> Sir, insufficient funds.

[00:09:06]>> What? Swipe it again.

[00:09:07]>> swiped it twice, sir.

[00:09:11]>> No way. 90 million? How the The big boss himself. Probably saw my black card and came to greet the VIP.

[00:09:21]Shh.

[00:09:23]>> [clears throat] >> Mr. Ashfield, welcome. So sorry to keep you waiting. Your janitor over there has been an eyesore the whole time. Can you get him out of my sight?

[00:09:30]>> How about you get that card to work first?

[00:09:32]>> A [ __ ] janitor talking to me?

[00:09:37]What do you mean the account's frozen?

[00:09:39]I'm Brody [ __ ] Ashworth. You better It's you.

[00:09:50]You did this? You >> Mr. Ashworth, he's just our janitor.

[00:09:53]What's he got to do with your accounts?

[00:09:55]Stop messing around and settle your bill.

[00:09:57]>> A janitor? How the hell could he freeze 90 million dollars of my accounts?

[00:10:01]>> You're right.

[00:10:02]Got nothing to do with this loser.

[00:10:07]>> Get me THE CFO RIGHT NOW.

[00:10:15]>> SECURITY TO THE SHOWROOM FLOOR.

[00:10:21]>> MR. ASHWORTH, 5 million for the art piece plus 3.8 for the car. 8.8 million total.

[00:10:28]How do you plan to settle that?

[00:10:29]>> Brody!

[00:10:33]>> Stay here.

[00:10:34]I'll go outside and make some calls to sort this out.

[00:10:36]>> Mr. Ashworth, no one leaves until this is settled.

[00:10:41]>> She broke it. She smashed the damn thing. It has nothing to do with me.

[00:10:46]>> [snorts] >> He'll come back. He's just making a call.

[00:10:54]>> Ma'am, Mr. Ashlin's vehicle has already left the parking lot.

[00:10:59]>> [panting] >> Chris, you got to help me. We were together 7 years. You can't just stand there and watch.

[00:11:08]>> 7 years? A month ago you told me those 7 years were worth nothing.

[00:11:11]>> I said stupid things. I was wrong.

[00:11:13]Chris, please.

[00:11:14]>> Your boyfriend ditched you here.

[00:11:16]8.8 mil under your name. How is any of that my problem?

[00:11:23]>> Boss, what do we do?

[00:11:26]>> Give her a choice.

[00:11:34]>> Can't pay?

[00:11:36]Then work it off.

[00:11:38]Sign the repayment plan. Garnished monthly from your wages. Can't keep up?

[00:11:42]The lawyers will do the math.

[00:11:46]>> Brody ran back to daddy.

[00:11:47]>> Probably begging for backup right now.

[00:11:49]Let him.

[00:11:50]How much does the old man have left?

[00:11:51]>> 30 mil max, and it's all tied up in the hotel fund. He pulls it to save Brody, the fund collapses.

[00:11:56]>> He'll pull it.

[00:11:58]Cuz Brody's his only son.

[00:11:59]>> How are you so sure?

[00:12:01]>> This ain't revenge. This is just the beginning.

[00:12:14]>> 90 million burned through in 3 days.

[00:12:18]>> Dad, something went wrong with that loan. The accounts got frozen out of nowhere. It's got to be a bank glitch.

[00:12:25]>> You didn't just burn the loan.

[00:12:28]You smashed 5 million worth of art in their showroom, then ditched your girlfriend, and ran.

[00:12:34]>> I thought I could HANDLE >> HANDLE? YOU CAN'T EVEN SPELL THE WORD.

[00:12:46]>> I've got 30 million left. It was supposed to be the last line of defense for the hotel fund.

[00:12:52]>> Dad >> Shut up. Let me finish.

[00:12:55]I'm giving you this money. You throw a party at the Apex Crown. Black tie, top shelf.

[00:13:00]Wall Street money, hedge funds, family offices, everyone. One goal, get them to pour cash into our fund.

[00:13:06]>> I won't let you down.

[00:13:08]>> You'd better not.

[00:13:09]Because this is the Ashford family's last card. We play it right, we survive.

[00:13:14]We don't, we're done.

[00:13:18]30 million.

[00:13:20]Don't disappoint me again.

[00:13:27]>> Book me the ballroom at the Apex Crown, the biggest one. Full buyout. Chris, just you wait. That valet uniform of yours ain't even good enough to shine shoes on my red carpet.

[00:13:52]>> Hey.

[00:13:55]Black, no sugar. Guess you'd drink this kind.

[00:13:57]>> Good guess.

[00:14:01]>> You work nights every day?

[00:14:03]>> Pretty much. Days, too.

[00:14:05]>> When do you sleep?

[00:14:08]>> It doesn't matter.

[00:14:10]>> You know you've got dark circles, right?

[00:14:13]>> So do you.

[00:14:14]>> Night audit plus front desk, one person doing two jobs, dark circles come with the package.

[00:14:19]Chris, do you ever feel like everyone in this place is just putting on a show?

[00:14:22]>> What do you mean?

[00:14:22]>> The guests during the day wearing suits worth tensing each other's asses, turn around and stabbing in, smiling out, none of it's real.

[00:14:28]>> What about you? Are you real?

[00:14:31]>> I don't know.

[00:14:33]But at least I'm not acting.

[00:14:46]Something important?

[00:14:47]>> Nothing more important than this coffee.

[00:14:52]See you tomorrow.

[00:14:53]>> See you tomorrow.

[00:14:54]>> Maya.

[00:14:55]Maya.

[00:14:57]>> Yeah.

[00:14:57]>> Good coffee.

[00:15:11]Thank you all for being here tonight.

[00:15:13]The Ashford family has always been the backbone of this city. Tonight, we witness the start of a new era.

[00:15:23]>> Not going in?

[00:15:25]>> Valets don't belong on the floor.

[00:15:26]>> Two weeks ago he ran out on a bill. Now he's standing up there like the savior.

[00:15:32]World ain't fair.

[00:15:35]>> It will be.

[00:15:47]Everyone, let me introduce someone. This guy is my girlfriend's ex-boyfriend.

[00:15:52]Used to be a grease monkey, now he parks cars at my hotel. See, that's life. Some people are born at the top, and some are born to smell exhaust fumes.

[00:16:02]>> [laughter] >> Your biggest achievement in life was keeping Sarah's bed warm for 7 years.

[00:16:07]Thanks for breaking her in for me.

[00:16:09]Enjoy your party, Mr. Ashford.

[00:16:16]>> [sighs] [snorts] >> Hold it together.

[00:16:21]One last move on the board.

[00:16:33]>> Still here?

[00:16:34]>> One last car to fetch.

[00:16:36]>> What Ashford said up there tonight >> Doesn't matter.

[00:16:39]>> I think it does. It doesn't matter to you. It matters to me.

[00:16:45]Nobody deserves to be treated like that, no matter what uniform they wear.

[00:16:55]>> Still here? Party's over. Dog goes back to its kennel. Oh, who's this? New girlfriend? Taste still sucks. The last one came to me. This one? She's worth about minimum wage.

[00:17:05]>> Shut up. You're drunk.

[00:17:07]>> Oh, front desk girl grew some balls again? Come here, let me see how much you're worth >> Touch her again, I'll break every finger on that hand. Be clear?

[00:17:26]>> You're done.

[00:17:28]You're [ __ ] done.

[00:17:31]Just you wait. Tomorrow, tomorrow you'll find out what happens when you cross me.

[00:17:40]>> You just >> Go home, Maya.

[00:17:42]Stay safe.

[00:17:54]>> [sighs] >> I said tomorrow, but I couldn't wait.

[00:18:10]What do you want? Last night, pinning me against that pillar?

[00:18:14]You looked pretty tough. How about now?

[00:18:30]Who did you think you were?

[00:18:32]A [ __ ] valet putting hands on me?

[00:18:35]>> Boss, final acquisition agreement going through the system. Two more hours left.

[00:18:40]Do not blow your cover. Move back there and they'll move back. Don't shoot.

[00:18:47]>> Remember your place. You're dirt.

[00:19:01]>> 24 hours.

[00:19:10]>> [sighs] >> Oh my god.

[00:19:21]>> [sighs] >> I'm fine.

[00:19:25]>> Your face is covered in blood and you're telling me you're fine?

[00:19:29]Brody did this?

[00:19:31]Why didn't you fight back? Last night you could have snapped his wrist. Why did you just stand here and take it?

[00:19:37]>> Some things I can't do right now.

[00:19:41]>> What does that mean?

[00:19:44]You know what? That day on the driveway when you stopped him, I thought I thought you were the kind of man who'd never bow.

[00:19:52]I thought you were just broke. Turns out you don't even have the guts to stand up for yourself.

[00:19:59]Don't tell me to stay safe anymore. You can't even protect yourself.

[00:20:07]>> [snorts] [sighs and gasps] [sighs] >> Boss, all paperwork's been finalized. As of now, you are the majority creditor and controlling shareholder of the Apex Crown. This hotel is yours.

[00:20:44]>> The Ashford fund?

[00:20:46]>> The old man pulled the last 30 mil for Brody's gala. Funds a hollow shell.

[00:20:49]Default clause triggered automatically.

[00:20:51]Control of everything, commercial real estate, hotel equity, offshore accounts, all locked under us.

[00:20:55]>> Do they know?

[00:20:56]>> Not yet. System won't notify them till morning.

[00:20:59]>> Don't let the system notify them.

[00:21:01]>> Then how do you want them notified?

[00:21:04]>> I'll tell them myself.

[00:21:06]In front of everyone.

[00:21:09]>> Copy that.

[00:21:10]I'll get everything ready.

[00:22:10]>> [snorts] >> For you. Hugo Boss Couture for the gala.

[00:22:21]>> Not enough.

[00:22:24]>> Then what do you want to wear?

[00:22:26]>> Something that makes them remember every step I take walking in.

[00:22:30]>> I know a guy.

[00:22:32]Old tailor on Savile Row in London.

[00:22:33]Dresses Middle Eastern royalty.

[00:22:36]Three days turn out.

[00:22:37]But the price?

[00:22:39]>> How much?

[00:22:41]>> 1.2 million.

[00:22:43]>> Order it.

[00:22:46]Victor.

[00:22:47]>> What?

[00:22:48]>> The gala. How many men are you bringing?

[00:22:52]>> How many do you want?

[00:22:53]>> Enough so nobody in that room dare stand up.

[00:22:56]>> I've [snorts] been waiting for you to say that since day one.

[00:22:58]>> Dad, the gala guest list is confirmed.

[00:23:00]300 plus. All big fish. This time.

[00:23:02]>> The funds control has been taken.

[00:23:04]>> What?

[00:23:05]>> That bridge loan, the default clause, two consecutive quarters of negative cash flow, control transferred automatically. Hotel, real estate, offshore accounts, all frozen.

[00:23:16]>> Who?

[00:23:18]Who the [ __ ] took it?

[00:23:20]>> A company called the Shadow Fund.

[00:23:22]Agent's name is Victor.

[00:23:25]>> Victor?

[00:23:26]The one who gave me the loan?

[00:23:28]>> THE CONTRACT YOU [ __ ] SIGNED.

[00:23:37]>> DAD, I DIDN'T KNOW THE contract was rigged. Victor, he his presence was so overwhelming. I thought You thought what?

[00:23:43]>> That money falls from the sky? 90 MIG, 2% interest.

[00:23:49]You've never even taken a loan shark's money, and you signed that?

[00:23:53]>> Is the charity gala still on?

[00:23:55]>> What?

[00:23:56]>> The gala. 300 guests confirmed. If we cancel now, all of Wall Street will know the Ashams are in trouble. Creditors, suppliers, partners, they'll circle like sharks.

[00:24:06]>> Then what do we do?

[00:24:06]>> The gala goes on. We use it to buy time.

[00:24:10]>> Buy time how?

[00:24:11]>> They've got controlling shares, but we still have operational authority. The staff still answers to us.

[00:24:17]If we pull in new capital at the gala, we've got leverage to negotiate.

[00:24:21]But we need a move they won't see coming.

[00:24:23]>> What move?

[00:24:25]>> Spread the word.

[00:24:26]>> [snorts] >> The Shadow Fund's new owner is planning mass layoffs after the gala. Create panic. Get the workers to strike.

[00:24:35]>> A strike?

[00:24:35]>> If the hotel shuts down, the Shadow Fund's shares become worthless paper. No operation, no revenue, no revenue, they come to us to negotiate. Then we use the new capital to buy control back.

[00:24:44]>> I know a few floor group invitees.

[00:24:45]Grease their palms, let them stir things up with the staff.

[00:24:47]>> Don't screw this up.

[00:24:48]>> I won't. This time I'll bury the Shadow Fund and whoever's behind it.

[00:25:00]>> Shadow Fund, who the hell are you people?

[00:25:08]>> You heard? The new owner's going to cut half the staff.

[00:25:10]>> Who said that?

[00:25:11]>> Floor supervisor told us, said they'll start right after the gala.

[00:25:14]>> Eight years I've been here. They want to cut me? Screw that.

[00:25:17]>> Exactly. We all walk out together. See how they throw their fancy gala then.

[00:25:25]>> No official notice, no HR email, all the rumors trace back to the floor supervisors.

[00:25:37]>> Young Ashford said if the staff don't show up on gala night, he'll handle the rest. Five grand each.

[00:25:44]>> What if the new owner investigates?

[00:25:45]>> Investigate what? Workers walked out on their own. Nothing to do with us. Don't be a [ __ ] >> Brody's paying off floor supervisors to get workers to strike on gala night. I got it on tape.

[00:25:58]>> You followed them?

[00:25:58]>> I heard the rumors. Something felt off, so I checked.

[00:26:01]>> Maya, this is dangerous. If they find out >> But I can't watch this hotel go down.

[00:26:05]There are hundreds of people here who depend on this job, just like me.

[00:26:08]Take it. Give it to management or whoever can use it. I don't care how, just don't let them win.

[00:26:15]What I said that night in the parking lot?

[00:26:20]Maybe I was wrong.

[00:26:33]>> 320 seats.

[00:26:35]Full house.

[00:26:36]Tonight everyone remembers what happens in this room.

[00:26:40]>> Ladies and gentlemen, first let me tell you what the name Ashford means to this city. 40 years ago, my father built the Ashford empire from nothing. One brick at a time, starting from a single office. This hotel, the Apex Crown, is the monument to his life's work.

[00:26:54]Recently, some of you may have heard rumors. People saying the Ashfords are in trouble. I'm standing here tonight to tell you personally, rumors are just rumors. The Ashford family does not fall. Tonight's gala isn't just about charity. It's proof we're still standing.

[00:27:20]>> Thank you, Mr. Brody Ashford, for that wonderful speech. Now, for the most important moment of the evening.

[00:27:26]We are honored to announce the true controlling partner of the Apex Crown will make their first public appearance tonight.

[00:27:46]>> Wait.

[00:27:48]What?

[00:27:49]Isn't the host talking about us?

[00:27:51]>> I didn't arrange this segment.

[00:27:53]>> Let us welcome with a round of applause the true controlling partner of the Apex Crown.

[00:28:05]>> Ready?

[00:28:06]>> Been ready since the night they left me on the parking lot floor.

[00:28:08]>> We'll clear the way.

[00:28:26]>> No.

[00:28:27]That's not possible.

[00:28:43]>> My name is Chris.

[00:28:44]3 months ago I stood at the entrance of this hotel in a valet uniform.

[00:28:49]>> The valet?

[00:28:51]>> Someone made me shine his shoes. Someone called me a bottom feeder. Someone told 300 people I was born to smell exhaust.

[00:28:59]Rudy, do you remember every word you said?

[00:29:03]I do.

[00:29:04]Every single one.

[00:29:06]This is the controlling share transfer confirmation for the Apex Crown. As of today, every brick, every light, every table in this hotel belongs to me. Mr. Ashford, this is your family's complete debt ledger and equity transfer agreement.

[00:29:21]>> You You set this up from the very beginning.

[00:29:24]>> It wasn't a setup. Your son walked in on his own. I just opened the door.

[00:29:28]>> Impossible! You're a valet. You're a [ __ ] valet.

[00:29:31]>> The man standing before me is the sole controller of the Shadow Fund. Net worth, $1 billion.

[00:29:37]And And you, from the day you signed that contract, you became nothing.

[00:29:51]>> Mr. Chris, business matters can be discussed privately. There's no need for all this.

[00:29:55]Show him the full version.

[00:29:57]>> Mr. Ashford, this is your family's financial trail over the past 3 years.

[00:30:00]Misappropriation of client trust funds, fabricated offshore transactions, and fraudulent filings with the SEC.

[00:30:07]>> How?

[00:30:08]How did you get these?

[00:30:11]>> The bridge loan agreement your son signed included a due diligence authorization clause.

[00:30:15]>> He didn't even flip past the first page.

[00:30:22]>> How dare you hit my father?

[00:30:26]>> I didn't hit your father. I hit a fraud.

[00:30:30]>> Victor, the screen.

[00:30:32]>> Young Ashford said, "As long as over 30% of staff don't show up on gala night, he'll handle the rest. Five grand each."

[00:30:40]>> This recording was made by one of your hotel's own staff. At the risk losing her job, she didn't do it for anyone.

[00:30:44]She did it for every person in this hotel who depends on this paycheck to feed their family.

[00:30:49]Victor, the files we submitted to the federal prosecutor yesterday, they received them? Confirmed receipt.

[00:30:55]Everyone, you came tonight because you believed in the Ashford name. Now, see what's really behind it.

[00:31:10]>> That's fabricated. All of it. He's framing us.

[00:31:15]>> This document is the original financial statement Ashford Group submitted to the SEC over the past 3 years.

[00:31:20]>> The highlighted sections are fabricated.

[00:31:22]Every fake transaction traces back to Mr. Ashford Sr.'s personal signature.

[00:31:26]>> Brody, those documents your father signed, you've seen them, too, right?

[00:31:31]>> I I I didn't know about any of that.

[00:31:33]>> You didn't know?

[00:31:42]>> That's You recorded >> Appendix C of the bridge loan you signed. Clause 7, party A authorizes party B to conduct security monitoring of all borrower premises. You authorized it yourself.

[00:31:56]Mr. Ashford, still want to sit down and talk?

[00:32:02]>> [snorts] >> Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Ashford, Mr. Brody Ashford, you are under investigation for securities fraud, misappropriation of trust funds, and money laundering. Please cooperate.

[00:32:20]>> 40 years, brick by brick, all gone.

[00:32:26]>> Don't touch me. DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

[00:32:27]I'M BRODY ASHFORD. LET GO. LET GO. LET GO OF ME. THIS IS A SETUP. HE FRAMED ME.

[00:32:38]CHRIS, you won't get away with this. You're just a valet, a [ __ ] valet.

[00:32:43]>> No.

[00:32:44]I'm the man you signed EVERYTHING AWAY TO.

[00:32:46]>> [screaming] >> SHADOW FUND. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, IT WAS JUST you from the first day I walked into this hotel.

[00:32:58]>> [screaming] >> It's over, boss.

[00:33:09]Not yet.

[00:33:20]I know what you're all thinking.

[00:33:22]New boss takes over, first thing he does is fire everyone.

[00:33:27]I won't. 20% of the Apex Crown's equity goes into an employee stock ownership plan for every staff member with over 1 year of service. My legal team is already drafting the ESOP.

[00:33:38]You're not just workers. Starting today, you're shareholders of this hotel.

[00:33:44]I'm not standing here tonight because I'm smart or because I'm rich. I'm here because one person, when nobody else knew the truth, risked her job to expose the Ashford's plot to sabotage this hotel from the inside. She didn't do it for me. She didn't do it for any reward.

[00:33:58]She did it for every single person in this building who depends on this paycheck to survive.

[00:34:05]Maya, stand up.

[00:34:11]Starting today, Maya is the executive vice president of the Apex Crown.

[00:34:31]You said you don't act.

[00:34:36]>> You sure acted for 3 months.

[00:35:06]Chris, I know I made mistakes. I know I hurt you, but we were together 7 years. 7 years has to mean something.

[00:35:13]You have everything now. Money, the hotel, power.

[00:35:18]You need someone by your side. I can I can be that person.

[00:35:22]Give me one chance. Just one.

[00:35:24]>> Do you remember what you said the night you walked out? They can numb with you.

[00:35:28]Wake up, Chris. You were never enough.

[00:35:31]You were right. I wasn't enough for you.

[00:35:35]But now, you're not enough for me, either.

[00:35:38]>> Chris, don't go. [laughter] Please.

[00:35:42]>> Crawl back to your gutter.

[00:35:53]>> Mr. Chris, could I have just 2 minutes?

[00:35:55]We're very interested in the Shadow Funds portfolio.

[00:35:58]>> Mr. Chris, regarding a partnership on the hotel sector.

[00:36:00]>> Talk to Victor.

[00:36:04]>> Support the Ashford Foundation.

[00:36:26]>> You should be downstairs.

[00:36:28]300 people waiting to shake your hand.

[00:36:30]>> I'm not here to shake hands.

[00:36:32]>> 3 months, you wore a valet uniform, got your shoes shined for someone else, got beaten up, got roasted by the whole internet, got told off by me, got told you had no spine. Why didn't you tell me that night?

[00:36:44]One sentence would have been enough.

[00:36:47]Just I have my reasons. That's all you needed to say.

[00:36:50]>> Told you you wouldn't have said what you said.

[00:36:52]>> What?

[00:36:53]>> You said nobody deserves to be treated like that, no matter what uniform they wear. That night I almost gave up. That sentence got me through the last 24 hours.

[00:37:01]Maya, what I win back isn't some empire.

[00:37:06]It's the right to stand next to you.

[00:37:12]>> Then from now on, no more acting.

[00:37:16]>> No more acting.