Chapter 6: The Board Meeting
Victor arrived at the company headquarters at 1:20 p.m.
He had changed clothes at the hotel and tried to look composed, but the exhaustion showed in his face. He walked into the main conference room expecting to find the usual group of senior executives waiting for him.
Instead, only three people were there: the company’s lead counsel, the head of the board, and Margaret Hale.
Victor stopped in the doorway.
“What is this?” he asked.
Margaret stood up. “Mr. Langley, please sit down. We have some matters to discuss.”
Victor remained standing. “Where is everyone else? I called an emergency board meeting.”
“The rest of the board has already been briefed,” the lead counsel said calmly. “Given the current situation with the frozen accounts and the ongoing federal investigation, they felt it was best to limit attendance today.”
Victor’s jaw tightened. “What federal investigation?”
Margaret slid a folder across the table. “This contains the documents that were submitted to the FBI last night. Your wife has provided substantial evidence of financial misconduct, including the creation of a shell company used to divert company funds, forged documents, and the systematic draining of marital assets.”
Victor stared at the folder but did not open it.
“You’re lying,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction.
“I’m not,” Margaret replied. “And neither is the FBI. They’ve already begun reviewing the files. Several board members have expressed concern about continuing to do business with someone under active federal scrutiny. Effective immediately, your access to company systems and accounts has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Victor’s face went pale.
“You can’t do that,” he said. “This is my company.”
“No,” Margaret said quietly. “It isn’t. Not anymore.”
Victor stood there for several seconds, breathing hard. Then he turned and walked out of the conference room without another word.
Margaret watched him go, then picked up her phone and sent Claire a short message.
Board meeting concluded. Victor has been formally removed from operational control. He looked like he finally understood.
Claire read the message in her kitchen and set the phone down.
May you like
She did not smile.
But something inside her settled into place.
