Chapter 3 - The Boardroom Coup
Thursday arrived with a heavy, oppressive rain. I insisted on attending the board meeting, much to Eleanor’s vocal dismay. Maya wheeled me into the glass-walled conference room at the top of Sterling Tower.
Twelve board members sat around the massive table. Richard sat at the head—my seat.
"Arthur, it's a miracle you're here," Richard said, his tone dripping with false warmth. "But this is highly irregular. You should be resting."
"I am still the CEO, Richard," I said, slurring my words slightly, playing the part of the heavily medicated cripple.
Julian, sitting to my left, slid a thick stack of documents across the table. "Arthur, we love you. But the stock is dipping. The shareholders are panicked by your... condition. We’ve drafted a temporary transfer of executive power to Richard, and a medical proxy granting Eleanor decision-making rights. It’s for your own good."
I looked at the papers. It was a complete surrender of my life and my empire.
"Sign it, darling," Eleanor cooed, stepping behind my chair and massaging my shoulders. Her nails dug in just a little too hard. "Let us carry the burden."
I picked up the pen with a violently shaking hand. I let the tip hover over the signature line, acting as if I lacked the motor skills to write. Then, I dropped the pen.
"I... I need time to read it," I whispered. "Tomorrow."
Richard sighed, exchanging an exasperated look with Julian. "Very well. Tomorrow, Arthur. But the transition is inevitable."
May you like
As Maya wheeled me out of the building, she leaned down. "Don't sign it," she whispered fiercely. "Please, Mr. Sterling. I don't know anything about business, but I know they don't love you."
I looked up at her, my heart softening for the first time in weeks. "I know, Maya. I know."
