Chapter 7 - The Boardroom Siege
The next morning at 10:00 AM, the high-rise corporate headquarters of Calloway Hospitality in downtown Boston was buzzing with high-stakes tension.
Inside the grand glass boardroom on the fortiehh floor, twelve wealthy board members sat around a long black granite table. Victoria Calloway sat at the head of the table, flanked by three high-priced corporate attorneys.
Everett sat across from her, his expression impassive, though his knuckles were white where his hands rested on the table.
Nora stood near the back of the room beside the glass doors, holding her leather portfolio, quietly watching the battle unfold.
"Members of the board," Victoria began, her voice projecting confidence and authority across the room. "Over the past month, my brother Everett has exhibited severe erratic behavior, threatening the financial stability of our flagship brand."
She signaled her attorney, who distributed thick folders to every board member.
"He has recklessly promoted an unqualified former waitress to General Manager of Harbor & Ash," Victoria declared, pointing an accusatory finger toward Nora. "He has diverted company funds toward unauthorized employee daycare programs, and he dismissed our former manager, Melissa Grant, without board approval."
Everett leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Melissa Grant was caught embezzling thirty thousand dollars, Victoria. She is currently awaiting trial in state prison."
"That is an operational matter that should have been handled by HR!" Victoria fired back smoothly. "Not used as an excuse to completely upend corporate structure and hand power over to a woman with no executive background!"
Several older board members nodded in agreement, whispering among themselves.
"Everett’s judgment is compromised," Victoria pushed her advantage, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "Therefore, under Section 4 of the corporate bylaws, I move for a vote of no confidence to remove Everett Calloway as Chief Executive Officer."
The lead board member cleared his throat. "The motion is recognized. We will now take a vote—"
"Before you vote," Nora's voice rang out loud and clear from the back of the room. "I request permission to present the quarterly performance report for Harbor & Ash."
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Victoria slammed her hand on the table. "Silence! You are an employee here! You have no standing in this boardroom!"
Everett looked at Nora, a sharp spark of determination lighting up his eyes. "She has standing. As General Manager, she has the right to present financial records. Let her speak."
