Naomi closed the video.
Then she opened a folder she'd been keeping for nearly a year.
It contained dated notes about meetings, emails concerning design credit, and documentation of decisions that had affected her work.
She had never wanted to become involved in a public scandal.
But she'd also grown tired of pretending the problem didn't exist.
For the first time, she wondered whether someone might actually listen.
The board meeting began at nine-thirty.
Evan arrived fifteen minutes early.
He carried one briefcase, a thin folder, and a tablet containing the company's operational review.
He wore a navy suit and a pale blue tie.
There was no entourage.
No photographer.
No carefully choreographed entrance designed to announce the arrival of the new controlling shareholder.
He greeted the receptionist.
Thanked the assistant who showed him to the conference room.
Then poured himself a cup of coffee.
By the time the remaining directors arrived, he'd already reviewed the revised meeting agenda.
At nine-thirty precisely, the board chair called the meeting to order.
Six directors sat around the long table.
Two participated remotely.
The company's general counsel attended, along with its chief financial officer and corporate secretary.
Evan introduced himself briefly.
He explained that Cole Meridian's immediate priorities were financial stability, operational improvement, and rebuilding trust with employees and commercial partners.
He did not promise spectacular growth.
He did not announce layoffs.
He did not display photographs of luxury yachts or celebrities wearing the company's latest collection.
Instead, he presented a straightforward analysis of the business.
The company had valuable assets.
Its liabilities were manageable under the new financing arrangements, provided leadership made disciplined choices.
Several retail operations needed restructuring.
Manufacturing capacity needed careful investment.
Inventory planning had to improve.
And internal management practices required review.
After forty minutes, the board chair turned toward the final item.
“Executive leadership concerns.”
The atmosphere changed immediately.
Evan closed his presentation.
The general counsel explained that the company had received numerous inquiries about the airplane video and had begun preserving relevant communications.
A formal review had been initiated concerning Darla's conduct.
The investigation would examine the flight incident, provide Darla an opportunity to respond, and consider any substantiated workplace concerns relevant to her leadership role.
One director leaned forward.
“Can we afford to leave her in charge while this happens?”
Another shook his head.