Chapter 18: Boardroom Divisions

The board reconvened at 9:00 AM.

Julian attended as himself—Julian Vane, CEO, returned from his “sabbatical.” He wore a tailored suit. No glasses. His hair was styled, his face clean-shaven.

No one recognized him as Jay.

“Mr. Vane,” the CFO said, surprised. “We didn’t expect you.”

“I’m aware.” Julian took his seat at the head of the table. “I’ve been following the situation closely. I have concerns about the evidence presented yesterday.”

Stern shifted in his chair. “With respect, Julian, the evidence is clear. Rossi accessed confidential files and leaked them to the press.”

“Actually, the evidence shows that someone used Rossi’s credentials to access the files. The physical access point was a computer in your office, Victor.”

The room went silent.

Stern’s face was carefully neutral. “That’s impossible.”

“Is it?” Julian pulled up the logs on the conference room screen. “2:14 AM. The login came from a computer registered to your assistant. Your assistant’s building access card shows she was in the building at that time. Elena Rossi’s card shows she was not.”

Stern laughed. It was a hollow sound. “This is absurd. You’re accusing me of framing her?”

“I’m not accusing you of anything. Yet.” Julian leaned forward. “But I am calling for a full, independent investigation. And I am reinstating Elena Rossi, effective immediately, pending the results of that investigation.”

“You can’t do that,” Stern said.

“I can. I own the company.”

The board members exchanged glances. Some looked relieved. Others looked terrified. Amelia Vance was smiling.

Stern stood. “This isn’t over.”

“No,” Julian said. “It’s not.”

Stern walked out.

The meeting continued for another hour. By the end, the board had agreed to the investigation and to Elena’s reinstatement. Julian called Elena himself.

She answered on the fifth ring.

“Elena. It’s Jay.”

“I know who it is.”

“The board has reinstated you. We’re going to fight this together.”

Silence.

“Elena?”

“Good,I’ll be there in an hour,” she said. ” I want my name cleared.”

She hung up.

Julian sat in his office, staring at the phone, and wondered if he had just made everything worse.