Chapter 16
Caleb lowered his voice.
“You need to stop making scenes.”
I opened my folder.
“Then stop giving me reasons to.”
For the first time, I noticed how unfamiliar the boardroom felt without my father.
His chair stood empty at the head of the table.
I had spent years attending meetings in that room.
Before marrying Caleb, I had worked on several of the company’s property development projects and helped review acquisitions alongside senior executives.
I had stepped back from daily operations during my marriage, partly because Caleb preferred me away from the office.
He said people would accuse me of interfering with his career.
He said it was better for both of us if I focused on charity events and family responsibilities.
Slowly, I had allowed myself to believe I no longer belonged in the room.
But as I looked around the table, I recognized the documents, the procedures, and the faces of people I had known for years.
I belonged there long before Caleb did.
The chairman of the meeting cleared his throat.
“We are here to discuss the company’s leadership transition following Robert’s passing.”
Caleb immediately leaned forward.
“As everyone knows, Eleanor has suffered a devastating loss.”
He glanced at me with carefully manufactured concern.
“And with the pregnancy, the pressure has become overwhelming.”
I watched him.
He was using the same voice he used at charity dinners.
Gentle.
Reasonable.
Convincing.
“I believe it would be irresponsible,” he continued, “to burden her with significant financial decisions at this time.”
One director frowned.
“Are you requesting that the board appoint a temporary executive representative?”
“Yes.”
Caleb placed a folder on the table.
“I am prepared to assume expanded authority until Eleanor has recovered.”
I waited.
Then I raised my hand.
“May I ask a question?”
The chairman nodded.
“Of course, Eleanor.”
I looked at Caleb.
“What medical evidence do you have that I am incapable of making decisions?”
His expression tightened.
“This isn’t a courtroom.”
“Then perhaps you shouldn’t be making medical accusations.”
“I’m trying to protect you.”
“By taking control of my voting authority?”
He sighed.
“You’re twisting my words.”
I turned toward the other directors.
“Has anyone here received a report from my physician stating that I lack decision-making capacity?”
Nobody answered.
“Has anyone evaluated me independently?”
Silence.
“Has anyone even asked me whether I want Caleb to represent me?”
The chairman adjusted his glasses.
“No, Eleanor.”