Chapter 6 - THE EMERGENCY BOARD MEETING
Alejandro was discharged from the hospital under strict medical
instructions. He returned to the estate with a physician’s plan, new
emergency medication, and a security detail that answered directly to
Marcus.
He did not return to work immediately.
Instead, he asked Naomi to arrange an emergency board meeting.
The directors gathered in the glass conference room two days later.
Julian attended, looking composed. He had already circulated a statement
describing the poisoning incident as an accidental exposure caused by a
catering error.
Alejandro entered in a dark suit.
The room fell silent.
“I’m glad you’re recovering,” Julian said, rising.
Alejandro took his seat.
“Let’s discuss the company.”
Julian began with the merger resolution. He described the emergency
powers as necessary safeguards and suggested that Alejandro’s recent
medical event made a temporary delegation prudent.
Naomi stood.
“Before the board considers any delegation, it needs to review evidence
concerning the event that caused Mr. Moretti’s hospitalization.”
Julian’s expression tightened.
“Surely we’re not going to turn a medical emergency into a corporate
spectacle.”
“We are going to examine a potential criminal act that may have been
intended to change control of this company.”
Naomi connected her laptop to the conference display.
The hidden-camera footage appeared.
Julian watched himself enter the study, take out the vial, and tamper
with the decanter.
No one spoke.
Then one director pushed his chair back.
“Julian. Is that you?”
Julian stared at the screen.
“It’s been edited.”
Naomi displayed the original file’s verification record, the camera’s
recovery log, and the laboratory report identifying the allergen residue
in the wine.
“The footage has been preserved and provided to law enforcement,” she
said. “The lab results independently confirm the substance was present.”
Julian stood.
“This is a setup.”
Alejandro looked at him.
“Then explain why you were the only person who entered my study with a
vial.”
Julian’s eyes moved around the room.
“You have no idea what I’ve protected you from.”
“I know what you put in my glass.”
“I saved this company.”
“You tried to inherit it.”
Julian’s voice rose. “You were going to destroy everything. You were
going to sell the divisions I spent my life building.”
“Those divisions belong to the shareholders.”
“They belong to the people who made them profitable.”
Alejandro leaned forward.
“And you thought that gave you the right to decide whether I lived?”
The board chair called for a recess. Two officers entered the room with
the detective.
Julian was asked to accompany them for questioning. He refused at first,
then stopped when Marcus stepped between him and the exit.
As he was escorted out, Julian turned toward Alejandro.
“You think this ends with me?”
May you like
Alejandro held his gaze.
“No. I think this is where it finally begins.”
