Chapter 7 - The Vote That Couldn't Wait
Nathaniel entered the foundation conference room with Eleanor on a video call. She was bruised, exhausted, and furious.
"I'm alive," she told the directors. "So explain why my succession is on today's agenda."
Miles Harker adjusted his cuffs. "We were preparing for every possible outcome. Investors need stability."
"I'm not a market fluctuation," Eleanor said.
The directors traded glances. Some had been told Eleanor was unconscious or ready to resign.
"Who told you that?" Nathaniel demanded.
A director named Clara West looked at Miles. "He did."
Miles held up a packet of papers. "Harbor House is losing money. North Quay offered an extraordinary sum. Keeping the building open is sentimentality, not strategy."
"Tell that to the families sleeping there tonight," Eleanor replied.
Amelia explained that no authorized transfer could occur while Eleanor withheld consent. A temporary resolution passed to suspend negotiations and preserve relevant communications. Miles voted against it.
After the meeting, Nathaniel confronted his friend beside the elevators.
"You knew Victoria was pressuring my mother."
"I knew your mother was blocking an opportunity. There's a difference."
"Did you help Victoria get the cameras turned off?"
Miles's expression went flat. "You sound like the police."
"Then give me a reason not to."
"Because you and I built half this business together, and you're about to wreck it over what a waitress thinks she saw."
Nathaniel stepped back, stunned by the contempt in his friend's voice.
Meanwhile, Rose met Eleanor in the hospital garden. The older woman asked about Eli's exams, remembered the name of the shelter where Rose grew up, and insisted on hearing the whole truth about the online attacks.
"You can stop defending me," Eleanor said. "You've already done enough."
"If I stop now, Victoria gets to tell everyone what happened."
Eleanor squeezed her hand. "Then let's make sure there is something stronger than either of our memories."
May you like
She handed Rose a photograph taken at the wedding, just minutes before the fall.
In the background, Victoria was meeting privately with Connor Voss beside the security room.
