Chapter 4 - The Last Board Meeting
Richard announced Hartwell’s largest expansion project without consulting Evelyn.
He planned to construct a new manufacturing facility outside the country using land owned by one of Celeste’s relatives. The proposal required enormous debt and depended on sales predictions that Evelyn knew were unrealistic.
At the board meeting, Richard spoke confidently beside a glowing presentation screen.
“This facility will double our production capacity within three years.”
Evelyn examined the projected numbers.
“Production capacity is not the problem,” she said. “Demand is.”
Richard’s smile tightened.
“Our international partners disagree.”
“We lost two of those partners last quarter.”
“That was temporary.”
“Their contracts were canceled.”
Several directors looked down at their papers.
Richard pressed a button and changed the slide.
“We have new opportunities.”
“None of these opportunities are signed.”
Richard’s voice sharpened.
“Perhaps you should allow me to finish.”
“Perhaps you should explain why the land costs four times its assessed value.”
The room became silent.
Celeste stood near the wall, holding a tablet. Her face remained calm, but her eyes moved toward Richard.
Evelyn continued.
“The property is owned by Grant Development.”
Richard stopped.
“One of several companies involved.”
“Grant Development is controlled by Celeste’s uncle.”
One director removed his glasses.
“Is that true?”
Richard looked at Celeste.
She spoke quickly.
“My family relationship has no influence on the project.”
Evelyn placed copies of the ownership records on the table.
“Then neither of you will object to an independent review.”
Richard’s anger surfaced.
“This is unnecessary.”
“It is required under our conflict-of-interest policy.”
“I am the chief executive.”
“And I am the officer responsible for corporate risk.”
Richard stepped closer to the table.
“This discussion is over.”
“No,” Evelyn said. “The vote has not happened.”
Richard stared at her in front of the entire board.
“You seem confused about your authority.”
Evelyn held his gaze.
“I understand my authority perfectly.”
The vote was postponed.
Richard left the room without speaking to her. Celeste followed him.
That evening, Evelyn received a call from Maya.
“We have fifty-one percent,” Maya said.
Evelyn closed her office door.
“Confirmed?”
“All transactions are complete except the final transfer from Victoria Mercer. She signed this afternoon.”
Evelyn released a breath she had been holding for months.
Northstar now owned a controlling interest in Hartwell.
However, Evelyn chose not to reveal herself immediately.
Maya had discovered another problem. Richard had used company guarantees to secure private loans connected to the expansion project. If he suspected that control had shifted, he might move money, destroy records or create new obligations.
They needed several more days to secure the evidence and notify regulators.
“Until the documents are protected, act normally,” Maya warned.
Evelyn looked through the glass wall of her office.
Richard was standing near the elevators with Celeste.
He appeared to be arguing with someone on the phone.
“I can manage him for a few days,” Evelyn said.
But Richard was no longer willing to wait.
That night, he entered the bedroom while Evelyn was packing for an early hospital appointment.
She had been experiencing severe pain in one leg for several weeks. Her doctor had scheduled a procedure to repair an old injury before it became worse.
Richard stood in the doorway.
“When were you going to tell me about Northstar?”
Evelyn’s hands stopped.
“What about it?”
“They’re buying shares.”
“That has been public knowledge for weeks.”
“Victoria sold part of the trust.”
“Then speak to your mother.”
Richard walked closer.
“You’re involved.”
Evelyn met his eyes.
“Why would you think that?”
“Because every time something goes wrong, you’re standing nearby pretending to be innocent.”
Evelyn zipped the bag.
“Northstar isn’t your biggest problem.”
Richard’s jaw tightened.
“What does that mean?”
“It means the board is beginning to see you clearly.”
For a moment, something dangerous appeared behind his expression.
May you like
Then it vanished beneath a smile.
“You should get some rest,” he said. “You have a long day tomorrow.”
