He also knew that if he allowed his personal experience with Victoria to dictate every corporate decision, the company would become vulnerable to the same kind of arbitrary management he wanted to correct.
So he began by addressing the conflict.
"Yesterday, I had a serious confrontation with Ms. Whitmore outside my home."
Several directors looked uncomfortable.
Victoria lowered her eyes.
Malik continued.
"The incident involves allegations concerning a police response, physical contact by an officer, and statements made about my property."
He paused.
"Those matters need independent review. I will not use this board meeting to determine the outcome of my personal complaint."
The company attorney, Elliot Pierce, nodded.
Malik looked toward the directors.
"Separately, I want an independent review of the company's homeowner services, collection practices, vendor relationships, and complaint-handling procedures."
Victoria looked up.
"Are you suggesting the company has been doing something illegal?"
Malik met her eyes.
"I'm saying we have enough concerns to examine the records."
She folded her arms.
"This is because of yesterday."
He shook his head.
"No. Those concerns existed before I bought the controlling interest."
For a moment, the room became silent.
Victoria stared.
Then Malik placed a folder on the table.
Inside were summaries of homeowner complaints collected with the homeowners' consent.
Evelyn Brooks.
Other residents from several developments.
And records showing disputed fees associated with Whitmore management contracts.
Malik looked toward the directors.
"These are the kinds of issues I want us to understand."
Victoria glanced at the pages.
Her expression changed slightly.
For the first time, she realized that the man she'd insulted had been studying her company long before he moved into Sterling Oaks.
The board established an independent review committee.
The members who had not participated in the disputed management decisions would oversee outside counsel and the audit specialists examining the relevant operations.
Victoria remained in her chief executive position during the initial review, but her authority over disputed vendor payments, document preservation, and employee reporting was restricted through appropriate interim controls.
She objected.
She argued that the company was being punished for an unrelated misunderstanding between neighbors.
But the directors didn't agree.
The financial condition of Whitmore Communities already justified a careful examination of its operations.
And several of the issues identified during acquisition due diligence had not been adequately explained.
Malik spoke only when necessary.
He didn't humiliate Victoria.
He didn't describe the police confrontation in theatrical language.
And he didn't demand that the directors applaud him for becoming the majority shareholder.
His calm approach made her increasingly uncomfortable.
She'd expected revenge.