Maya had not seen it.
The document proposed shifting voting control on certain operational matters from founder authority to an executive committee.
The justification:
Scaling governance beyond founder-centric decision-making.
Maya almost admired the phrasing.
Translation:
Reduce Maya.
Increase Nolan.
Increase board investors.
Create new premium division.
Monetize celebrity access.
Sell minority equity to strategic brand partners.
Victoria’s agency was one.
Another was a luxury pet-food conglomerate.
A third was a private insurance provider.
Maya read the forty-two-page deck in silence.
Richard sat across from her.
“This was going to board?”
“Next month.”
“And nobody told me?”
“I hadn't seen it.”
She looked at him.
“Do you expect me to believe that?”
Richard’s face tightened.
“Yes.”
Maya held his gaze.
After seven years, she knew when he lied.
He wasn't.
That meant Nolan had bypassed regional leadership too.
Maya closed laptop.
“This company is not becoming a concierge hospital for wealthy clients.”
Richard nodded.
“I agree.”
“You agreed enough to enforce the gold flag.”
The shame returned.
“Yes.”
Maya stood.
“Then agreement isn't enough.”
By three, Oliver had improved significantly.
Dr. Patel finally emerged.
Victoria stood so quickly her chair scraped.
“He's breathing easier.”
Patel said.
“We’re keeping him overnight.”
Victoria pressed one hand over her mouth.
“Can I see him?”
“In a few minutes.”
She nodded.
Then looked at Maya.
Maya watched from hallway.
Victoria approached.
“I’m leaving my phone off.”
Maya frowned.
“What?”
“I told my office no posts.”
“No damage control.”
“No statements.”
“Oliver gets tonight.”
Maya studied her.
“That’s wise.”
Victoria exhaled.
“First wise thing I’ve done all day.”
“Probably not first.”
Victoria looked surprised.
Maya nodded toward treatment room.
“You brought him in.”
“That mattered.”
Victoria’s eyes filled.
“Thank you.”
Maya did not say “you're welcome.”
Not because cruel.
Because the medical team deserved that gratitude.
“Thank Dr. Patel.”
she said.
Victoria nodded.
Then:
“Maya?”
“Yes?”
“I’m going to send you every email Nolan sent me.”
Maya looked at her.