“We can't simply dismiss a president based on an online recording without following proper procedures.”
The first director frowned.
“The video is quite clear.”
Evan raised a hand slightly.
“Both concerns are valid.”
The directors turned toward him.
He continued.
“We need to protect the company and its employees. We also need a reliable process that doesn't depend on public anger.”
The chief financial officer nodded.
Evan looked toward the general counsel.
“What interim arrangements are available under her employment agreement?”
The attorney reviewed the relevant provisions.
After discussion, the board authorized a temporary administrative leave while the independent review proceeded, with operational responsibility transferred to an established interim leadership team.
The action was not presented as a final finding.
Darla would be notified formally and allowed to respond.
Then Evan raised another issue.
“I'd also like to commission an independent assessment of workplace culture and employee complaint procedures.”
One director sighed.
“Do we really need another investigation?”
Evan looked at him.
“Have we established that employees are comfortable reporting mistreatment?”
The director hesitated.
“Our human resources team handles complaints.”
“That wasn't my question.”
The room became quiet.
Evan continued.
“I'm not suggesting that every complaint is valid. I'm asking whether the systems are capable of examining complaints fairly, including those involving senior leadership.”
The board chair looked toward the general counsel.
The attorney nodded.
“There are reasons to strengthen our procedures.”
Evan leaned forward.
“Then let's do it.”
Another director spoke.
“This could uncover serious problems.”
Evan met his eyes.
“That's why we need to understand them.”
The director looked away.
Evan continued.
“The purpose of acquiring this company wasn't to preserve its existing problems under new ownership. It was to rebuild something valuable.”
He paused.
“And we can't rebuild what we're unwilling to examine.”
The board approved the review.
For the first time in years, Whitmore & Vale had authorized an independent examination of how its senior executives treated the people working beneath them.
Darla received the administrative leave notification at ten-forty that morning.
She was sitting inside her Manhattan apartment, staring at her phone.
Her apartment occupied the upper floor of an expensive residential building overlooking Central Park.
The living room contained imported furniture, original artwork, and a collection of decorative objects selected by one of the city's most fashionable interior designers.
The space was beautiful.
But it had never felt particularly comfortable.
Most rooms were designed to be photographed.