Chapter 8
The emergency board meeting was called for 8:00 AM the next morning. The tension in the glass-walled conference room was thick enough to choke on. Vincent sat at the head of the table, looking like he hadn't slept. Julian sat at the opposite end, radiating cold authority.
"Let's address the elephant in the room," Julian began, not bothering with pleasantries. "The stock has dipped four percent since yesterday morning due to... personal rumors surrounding our CEO."
"It's a temporary fluctuation," Vincent defended, his voice tight. "The upcoming merger with Vanguard will push the stock to an all-time high by Friday."
"Assuming Vanguard still wants to merge with a company run by a man who has his luggage tossed at him in the lobby," a board member sneered.
"My marriage is a private matter," Vincent snapped, his eyes flashing.
"When your wife's family holds twenty percent of our voting power, it is a corporate matter," Julian corrected sharply. "Have you spoken to Claire?"
"I am handling it," Vincent lied.
"You aren't handling anything," Julian said softly. He looked around the table. "I propose a temporary suspension of the CEO's duties, pending an internal review of his conduct. I will step in as acting CEO."
The room erupted into murmurs. Vincent stared at his father, betrayed. "You can't do this."
May you like
"I just did," Julian smiled. "All in favor?"
Before hands could be raised, the heavy oak doors of the boardroom swung open.
