Chapter 6 - The Board VoteAdrian did not cancel the Northstar vote.
That surprised everyone.
At nine the next morning, eleven directors entered Vale Meridian’s boardroom.
Victor’s seat remained empty.
Public explanation:
Medical emergency.
Inside the room, nobody knew Victor was already cooperating poorly with federal investigators.
Adrian sat at the head of the table.
Daniel’s warning echoed:
Don’t trust the board vote.
Northstar approval required seven votes.
Before the meeting, Adrian already knew five directors supported it.
Three opposed.
Three claimed undecided.
Rebecca presented the acquisition.
Caroline presented financing.
Then Director Malcolm Reed suddenly introduced an amendment.
A last-minute financing vehicle.
Meridian Special Opportunities Fund.
Adrian almost smiled.
There it was.
The vehicle would provide short-term debt financing.
Who controlled it?
An outside investment firm named Blackstone Ridge Capital.
Michael had traced Blackstone Ridge overnight.
Beneficial connection:
Victor Vale.
Director Malcolm Reed.
And CFO Caroline Hayes.
Adrian looked at Caroline.
She did not look back.
Another conspirator.
The vote began.
Six votes for acquisition.
Four against.
Adrian held the final deciding vote.
Everyone waited.
He said:
“No.”
Caroline’s head snapped up.
Malcolm went pale.
Acquisition failed.
Phones around the room began buzzing almost immediately.
Market reaction.
Vale Meridian shares dropped eight percent within minutes.
Northstar crashed fifteen.
Then Adrian said:
“Now we begin the second vote.”
Malcolm frowned.
“What second vote?”
Rebecca placed sealed packets in front of each director.
Emergency Governance Resolution.
Independent investigation.
Suspension of Caroline Hayes.
Suspension of Malcolm Reed.
Freeze on transactions involving Blackstone Ridge.
Malcolm stood.
“This is outrageous!”
The boardroom doors opened.
Federal investigators entered.
Adrian watched Caroline.
She did not run.
May you like
She simply closed her eyes.
Like someone who had known the end was coming.
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