Chapter 33 - The Price of Doing RightKalista's investment partners were furious.
"You've diverted valuable management time into a property dispute," one director said.
Another added, "Our investors didn't give us money to fight every developer you dislike."
Kalista stood at the head of the conference table.
"Nobody is asking the firm to fund a personal crusade."
"Then stop putting our reputation at risk."
She folded her hands.
"My involvement is public. The firm's obligations remain separate."
The oldest director leaned forward.
"Celeste Vale has influential financial partners. They can make future transactions difficult."
Kalista remembered Sterling's threats.
The same logic.
The same expectation that powerful people should never be challenged.
"Then we will evaluate our investments on their merits," she replied. "We won't surrender our judgment because someone dislikes scrutiny."
The discussion continued for two hours.
Finally, the board agreed to an independent review of any potential conflicts of interest.
It also required Kalista to recuse herself from decisions where her personal involvement in Harbor Row could create a conflict.
She accepted.
Outside the meeting room, Marcus was waiting.
"That could reduce your influence."
"I know."
"You're surprisingly calm."
"I used to think power meant controlling every decision."
"And now?"
Kalista looked back through the glass doors.
"Now I think it also means knowing when someone else should make one."
That afternoon, she transferred a portion of her personal investment returns into a legally separate housing support fund.
The contribution would cover independent inspections, tenant legal assistance, and financial analysis.
It gave her no development rights.
No special voting privileges.
No guaranteed return.
Marcus reviewed the documents.
"Once this is committed, you can't simply redirect it to another deal."
"Good."
He raised an eyebrow.
"You sound pleased."
"For once, I want the rules to protect people from me, too."
When the papers were signed, Kalista felt something unexpected.
May you like
Not loss.
Relief.
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