Chapter 4: The Emergency Board Meeting
The emergency meeting began at 11:25 p.m. through a secure video conference.
Nine directors appeared on the screen.
Theodore Laurent occupied the central window.
At seventy-one, he had silver hair, a steady gaze, and the kind of quiet authority that made powerful people choose their words carefully.
Evelyn Shaw summarized the evidence.
Marcus had removed Isabella from a company property without legal cause.
He had used corporate security to settle a personal dispute.
He had granted Celeste unauthorized access to a restricted suite.
He had placed personal expenses on company accounts.
More troubling, an internal audit had already found unusual consulting payments made to companies linked to Celeste.
The board had delayed action because Isabella repeatedly defended her husband.
Tonight, she no longer would.
At 11:31, Isabella joined the call from the back seat of her father’s car.
Theodore had sent it to collect her.
Every director became silent when her face appeared.
She was still wearing the damp black coat.
“Mrs. Vale,” Evelyn said gently, “do you wish to submit a formal complaint?”
Isabella thought of the employees who had watched Marcus throw her out.
She thought of Adrian Mercer apologizing while obeying an order that should never have been given.
She thought of eleven years spent turning neglected buildings into landmarks while Marcus accepted applause.
“Yes,” she said.
“Do you support the temporary suspension of Marcus Vale as chief executive officer?”
Isabella closed her eyes for one second.
She remembered the young man Marcus had once been.
Then she remembered the woman in her mother’s robe.
“Yes.”
The vote was unanimous.
At 11:39, Marcus Vale was suspended.
At 11:41, his building access was revoked.
At 11:44, Adrian Mercer received a new order from the actual controlling shareholders.
Remove Marcus Vale and Celeste Laurent from the presidential suite.
May you like
Recover all company property.
Return the sapphire brooch to Isabella.
