Chapter 14 - Cracks in the Boardroom
The emergency board meeting of Callaway Enterprises was a battlefield. Julian Voss sat at the far end of the long conference table, looking entirely too comfortable. Several older board members, who had always resented Roman's recent pivot toward philanthropic ventures, were whispering among themselves.
"Mr. Callaway," Julian began, leaning forward. "Your recent expenditures on 'charity' have caused a 4% dip in quarterly dividends. The shareholders are restless. We believe Callaway Enterprises needs a new direction—one that focuses on profit, not penance."
Roman didn't flinch. His voice was dangerously low. "This company has seen a 20% overall growth since we cleaned up the Voss corruption. If anyone here thinks aligning with a man whose brother poisoned a neighborhood is good for business, stand up."
May you like
No one stood, but the tension was palpable. Julian smiled, a chilling, confident smirk. "We'll see how loyal they are when the audit reports drop next week, Roman. Every empire has a weak pillar. I wonder what yours is?"
Later that night, Isla received an anonymous envelope at the penthouse. Inside was a single, old medical report from a Swiss clinic, dated five years ago. It bore Roman’s name and a diagnosis that made her heart stop.
