"Victor isn't going to accept that."
Margaret looked toward the memorandum.
"Then Victor will need to understand the evidence."
For several seconds, the line was quiet.
Then Elliot said something that made her sit straighter.
"You need to be very careful about who gets blamed for this."
Margaret paused.
"Is that a warning?"
"No."
He sounded suddenly uncertain.
"I'm saying the document came from historical materials."
"Then the review should establish that."
Elliot didn't answer.
The call ended a moment later.
Margaret stared at her phone.
Then made another call.
This time, she contacted the independent directors.
Victor remained focused on the closing.
He had already told several major investors that the transaction was progressing.
His finance team had modeled substantial gains.
And his personal reputation was tied to the success of the acquisition.
Admitting the governance problem could delay the deal, reduce its value, or require a completely different structure.
He began treating the warning as an obstacle created by cautious lawyers and an inexperienced young woman.
When Margaret requested a direct meeting, he agreed reluctantly.
She entered his office carrying a folder.
The room occupied the forty-sixth floor of Asterion's headquarters, overlooking the East River. A large abstract painting hung behind the desk, and a scale model of one of the company's logistics terminals stood near the windows.
Victor was reviewing a financial presentation.
He didn't look up immediately.
"Make it quick."
Margaret remained standing.
"We have evidence that the consent document may not be authentic."
Victor stopped reading.
Then looked toward her.
"Evidence, or another theory from Lorraine Brooks's daughter?"
Margaret placed Devon's memorandum on the desk.
"The file history is inconsistent with the purported execution."
Victor frowned.
"And?"
"The medical records raise a serious question about whether Lorraine could have signed it."
He leaned back.
For several seconds, he looked toward the windows.
Then asked, "Who provided the document?"
"That remains under investigation."
Victor's eyes narrowed.
"Has Elliot explained it?"
"Not adequately."
The billionaire folded his hands.
For a moment, he seemed to be calculating.
Then he looked directly at Margaret.
"Can we close without that waiver?"
"Not on the proposed terms without addressing the required consent."
He exhaled.
"Then find another structure."
Margaret nodded.
"That's an option to evaluate, but any alternative must genuinely comply with the governing documents."
Victor smiled coldly.
"Do you know what I pay outside counsel every year?"
"Yes."
"Then perhaps somebody should earn it."
Margaret didn't move.
She had heard variations of the remark before.
But this time, something in her expression changed.