Chapter 29 - the chair he promised another woman
The emergency vote ended with Nora appointed interim chair of the board.
Malcolm remained chief executive, but every major decision now required Nora’s approval. Gideon’s authority as family trustee was suspended pending an independent investigation.
Reporters gathered in the lobby as the directors left.
Malcolm approached Nora before the doors opened.
“You planned this humiliation.”
“You created the medical report.”
“You do not understand what happens next.”
“I understand that you no longer control the board.”
“This is not a game.”
“No. It is a company employing twenty-two thousand people. That is why I could not allow you to trade it for Gideon’s approval.”
Malcolm lowered his voice.
“I was trying to preserve what we built.”
“You were preparing to place Celeste in my chair.”
“She told you that?”
Nora saw anger replace caution.
Malcolm still cared more about Celeste’s betrayal than his own.
“She gave me recordings of Gideon.”
“She has been manipulating both of us.”
“You invited her into our marriage and the company. Do not blame me because she found another person willing to use her.”
Malcolm followed Nora into the corridor.
“I made mistakes.”
“You committed fraud.”
“I never intended to remove you permanently.”
“The petition transferred control of my trust until my death.”
“You would have remained comfortable.”
Nora turned slowly.
For fifty-nine years, men had described comfort as though it were a generous replacement for authority, ownership and dignity.
“You believed a beautiful house would stop me noticing that you had erased my name.”
Malcolm looked toward the reporters.
“What do you want?”
“The truth.”
“And after that?”
“A life in which I no longer need your permission.”
Nora entered the press conference.
She did not reveal the affair, the forged report or the stolen funds. She announced only that an independent audit had begun and the board would protect employees, investors and clients throughout the investigation.
Her restraint frightened Gideon more than an accusation would have.
As she left the podium, an assistant delivered a sealed envelope.
Inside was Celeste’s hotel key card and a note.
May you like
Room 914.
Come alone if you want her alive.
