Chapter 25 - The Board Tried to Remove Me
The lawsuit hit on Monday morning.
Thomas Vale formally claimed forty percent ownership.
By noon, journalists were outside the training center.
By three, two major corporate partners suspended negotiations.
And by six, several board members requested an emergency meeting.
One of them, Warren Pierce, leaned across the conference table.
“Until this ownership dispute is resolved, Clara should temporarily step aside.”
I stared at him.
“Why?”
“To protect the organization.”
Michael sat silently at the back.
This was my fight.
Warren continued.
“Investors need stability.”
“No.”
His eyebrows rose.
“Excuse me?”
“I spent years watching men use the word stability when what they actually meant was obedience.”
The room became completely still.
“If the board removes me according to our bylaws, I’ll respect the vote. But I will not voluntarily surrender authority because someone filed a lawsuit.”
Rachel smiled slightly.
Evelyn didn’t bother hiding hers.
The vote was called.
Six supported me.
Five opposed.
I survived by one vote.
Then Ortiz called.
“We identified the person who helped Marcus enter your training center.”
“Who?”
She hesitated.
May you like
“One of your board members.”
I looked slowly around the table.
