CHAPTER 3 — THE BOARDROOM
CHAPTER 3 — THE BOARDROOM
At sunrise, Andrew stormed into headquarters.
His access card flashed red.
ACCESS DENIED.
"What is this?"
Security remained polite.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"Your credentials were deactivated at 6:00 a.m."
Minutes later he entered the executive boardroom under escort.
Every director was already seated.
Mariana sat quietly at the opposite end of the table.
Not beside him.
At the head.
Her father sat nearby as an observer.
The company's general counsel stood.
"Mr. Andrew Lawson..."
"Following the triggering of contractual provisions and the board's vote under the shareholder agreement, your authority as chief executive has ended effective immediately."
Andrew laughed nervously.
"This is ridiculous."
"I own this company."
The attorney slid several signed agreements across the table.
"You own a minority interest."
"The controlling shares have long been held through entities represented by Mrs. Mariana Escalante."
Andrew's smile disappeared.
He turned toward Mariana.
"You knew?"
May you like
"I helped negotiate them," she replied.
"You never read what you signed."
