Chapter 11 - The Board Meeting
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Monday morning arrived with a cold, biting wind sweeping off Lake Michigan.
The executive boardroom of Bennett Grand Hotels was situated on the fiftieth floor, offering panoramic views of the city. At 8:55 AM, twelve board members were seated around the massive glass table. The atmosphere was incredibly tense. Rumors of the gala disaster had spread like wildfire.
Julian Vance sat near the head of the table, wearing a perfectly tailored suit, projecting an aura of grave concern. Beside him sat Vanessa. She wore a high-necked black dress, her makeup expertly applied to highlight the faint, fading bruise on her cheek. She looked like a tragic, brave victim.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Julian began, standing up and clearing his throat. "I have called this emergency session because we are facing a crisis of leadership. As many of you witnessed this weekend, Daniel Bennett is suffering from a severe psychological breakdown. His unprovoked, violent attack on his wife is not only a personal tragedy but a massive liability to this corporation."
The board members murmured in agreement, casting sympathetic glances toward Vanessa, who dabbed her dry eyes with a tissue.
"For the stability of the company, and for Daniel's own well-being," Julian continued, holding up a manila folder, "I am presenting a motion of temporary medical removal. Fortunately, Vanessa possesses a signed proxy transfer, which I have reviewed and authenticated, granting her interim voting rights."
"That won't be necessary, Julian."
The heavy glass doors of the boardroom swung open.
Daniel walked in. He wasn't wearing his usual corporate suit. He wore dark jeans and a black blazer, looking more like a street fighter than a CEO. His eyes were cold, dead, and locked entirely on his wife.
Vanessa froze, the tissue dropping from her hand.
"Daniel, you shouldn't be here," Julian warned, attempting to maintain his authoritative tone. "You need help."
"I am perfectly fine," Daniel said, walking slowly down the length of the table. He didn't sit down. He stood directly behind the empty chair at the head of the table. "But I hear you have some interesting documents to share with the board, Julian. A proxy transfer?"
"Yes," Julian said firmly. "Signed by you."
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"Fascinating," Daniel replied smoothly. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a sleek silver flash drive. He tossed it onto the glass table. It slid perfectly, stopping inches from Vanessa’s trembling hands.
"I brought something to share with the board as well," Daniel announced, his voice echoing in the silent room.
