The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 67
Stella flushed beneath the directors’ stares. Sophie’s question reduced her from an aggrieved family member to what she legally was in that room: a spectator without authority. Karen waited near the door, furious that security had obeyed Sophie instead of the family hierarchy she relied upon.
“Very well,” Stella said. “Let us see how long you last here.”
She moved toward her mother, then paused with a triumphant smile. “You seem to have forgotten that the board decides who serves as CEO.”
Sophie leaned back in her chair. “Have a try.”
Cooper had been waiting for the opening. He straightened his jacket and addressed the directors with the solemnity of a man pretending personal ambition was fiduciary duty.
“I formally propose the removal of Sophie Swift as chief executive of Swift Enterprise,” he said. “Her reckless behavior, public scandals, and open hostility toward senior leadership have placed the company at unacceptable risk.”
Sophie’s father seconded the motion. His eyes avoided hers as the corporate secretary recorded the proposal.
“Before anyone votes,” Sophie said, “I want the minutes to reflect that the alleged scandal was based on false reporting after I was drugged. Corrections and medical documentation are already public.”
Cooper waved away the statement. “Even if that excuse is accepted, your leadership has divided this company.”
“Accountability often feels divisive to people who benefited from the absence of it.” Sophie opened the report to the declining revenue figures. “You approved the decisions that created this crisis, and now you propose removing the person correcting them.”
Two directors whispered together. Cooper’s certainty faltered when neither immediately offered support.
“The Lake Enterprises contract exists because of Sophie,” Kendall said from her place behind the chief executive’s chair. “Removing her could jeopardize the strongest agreement this company has secured in years.”
“The secretary does not have the floor,” Cooper snapped.
Sophie glanced toward the clock. Kendall’s phone had vibrated moments earlier, and the small nod she gave confirmed that something beyond the boardroom was now in motion.
Cooper called for an immediate vote. One allied director raised his hand, but the others hesitated, unwilling to choose while the financial allegations remained unanswered.
“What are you waiting for?” Cooper demanded. “This company will collapse under her.”
The boardroom doors opened before the secretary could count the votes. A uniformed officer entered with another deputy and surveyed the table.
“I am Sheriff Ballard Ryder,” he said. “I am looking for Robert Cooper.”