Chapter 2: The Boardroom
Chapter 2: The Boardroom
The convoy arrived at headquarters just before eight o'clock.
Employees lined the lobby in uneasy silence.
Rumors had spread through the company overnight.
Lucas Hartley, the celebrated CEO, was suddenly unreachable.
Major investors were requesting emergency meetings.
Banks had frozen several executive credit facilities pending a change in corporate authority.
Isabella stepped out of the car.
No designer gown.
No dramatic entrance.
Just a charcoal suit, a leather portfolio, and quiet confidence.
Her assistant, Grace, handed her a folder.
"The board is assembled, Ms. Bennett."
She nodded.
"Has everyone arrived?"
"Everyone except Mr. Hartley."
"Good."
The boardroom doors opened.
Twelve directors stood as she entered.
At the center of the polished oak table lay a single document.
Resolution for Immediate Executive Removal.
Minutes later, the doors burst open.
Lucas stormed inside.
"This meeting is illegal!"
He slammed both hands on the table.
"You can't remove me!"
The company's general counsel calmly slid a binder toward him.
"Section 8 of the shareholder agreement."
"You approved it yourself four years ago."
Lucas flipped through the pages.
His face turned white.
The controlling shareholder had the authority to replace the CEO by majority board vote.
He had signed the clause.
He simply never realized who owned the majority.
Richard arrived moments later, breathing heavily.
"This is a misunderstanding."
Isabella finally spoke.
"No."
"It's an accounting correction."
The chairman looked around the room.
"All those in favor?"
One hand rose.
Then another.
Then another.
Until every director had voted.
"Motion carried."
The chairman turned toward Lucas.
May you like
"Effective immediately, your employment as Chief Executive Officer is terminated."
The access card clipped to Lucas's belt stopped working before he even reached the door.
