Chapter 3: The Vote Already in Motion
Daniel turned the laptop toward me.
Across the top of the document were the words IRREVOCABLE VOTING PROXY.
“This gives Lauren authority over Michael’s shares,” he said.
“It also authorizes an emergency sale to Vale Capital.”
“I’ve never heard of Vale Capital.”
“That may be the point.”
He tapped the ownership disclosure.
Most of the names were hidden behind holding companies, but one address appeared twice.
“Lauren’s brother uses that office,” Daniel said.
“Call the company attorney.”
“The board is already calling us.”
I accepted the video call.
Nine directors filled the screen, seated around the long conference table my husband had ordered when Harrison Manufacturing opened its second factory.
The board secretary leaned toward the camera.
“Mrs.
Harrison, counsel says we cannot delay without a majority vote.”
“Then take a vote to delay.”
Grant Keller, our chief financial officer, folded his hands.
“Every hour costs us money.
Vale’s offer expires at noon.”
“Why does our chief financial officer know the buyer’s deadline?”
Grant’s chair creaked.
“It was included in the proposal.”
“It was not included in the document sent to me.”
A new face appeared on the screen.
Lauren lifted Michael’s phone and smiled.
Behind her, sunlight flashed across the yacht’s windows.
“Good morning, Margaret.”
“You took Michael’s phone.”
“My husband asked me to handle his calls.”
“Put him on.”
“He’s spending time with his children.”
“Then you won’t mind telling the board why your brother’s address appears in Vale Capital’s filing.”
Lauren’s smile held.
“My brother rents office space to dozens of businesses.”
“You also told Michael he was signing travel forms.”
“That is what Emma claims.
She’s eleven.”
“Put Michael on the call.”
“No.”
The directors shifted in their seats.
Lauren leaned closer to the camera.
“You have controlled him his entire life.
You chose his schools, his career, even the house we live in.
Now you’re inventing a conspiracy because he finally chose me.”
“You submitted a statement declaring me incapable.”
“I submitted a physician’s assessment.”
“I have not been examined by a physician.”
“Memory problems often begin before the patient recognizes them.”
Daniel’s hand tightened around the laptop.
I looked directly at her.
“Who wrote the assessment, Lauren?”
“That will be discussed after the vote.”
Board counsel cleared his throat.
“Mrs.
Harrison, the document appears properly witnessed.
Until challenged through formal review, we must consider it.”
“Michael is being deceived.”
Lauren laughed softly.
“Or perhaps he simply didn’t tell you.”
Grant raised his hand.
“I move that we recognize Michael Harrison’s proxy and proceed.”
“I second,” another director said.
The secretary counted the votes.
Five favored proceeding.
Four opposed.
Lauren lifted her champagne glass.
“You taught Michael that business decisions have consequences, Margaret.
Today you get to experience one.”
The board secretary looked sick as she read the next motion.
“Vale Capital has transferred a ten-million-dollar deposit,” she said.
“If the sale is approved before noon, control of Harrison Manufacturing changes immediately.”
Daniel checked the time.
It was 10:47.
Then a message appeared on his screen from an unknown sender.
May you like
DON’T TRUST GRANT KELLER.
HE WATCHED MICHAEL SIGN.
