She wanted to disappear.
But Arthur turned toward her.
“Miss Carter, how do you know Samuel Brooks was your father?”
Naomi swallowed.
“My mother is Elena Carter.”
The chairman nodded slowly.
“And your middle name?”
She hesitated.
“Elise.”
Arthur closed his eyes.
For a moment, emotion crossed his face.
Then he whispered.
“Samuel called you his little Elise.”
Naomi felt tears rise.
She remembered that nickname.
Very few people knew it.
Arthur opened his eyes.
Then asked.
“Did you receive his letters?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
The chairman looked toward Graham.
For a moment, his expression became painfully sad.
Then he said.
“I knew Samuel had a daughter. I didn't know what became of her after the family arrangements changed.”
Graham stepped forward.
“Arthur, even if she's related to him, that doesn't establish any authority over the transaction.”
Naomi looked up.
“That's true.”
The response surprised everyone.
Graham frowned.
She continued.
“My relationship to my father doesn't automatically invalidate an agreement. But this certificate claims he personally executed a new authorization after he died. That is impossible.”
Arthur nodded.
“Correct.”
Naomi took a breath.
“And there are governing documents concerning his stewardship trust that the company has been asked to review.”
Daniel's expression changed.
For one moment, Naomi knew she'd struck something important.
The general counsel looked toward Graham.
Then back at her.
“What documents?”
Naomi answered carefully.
“Documents held by independent counsel. The appropriate notices have already been sent to the company.”
Arthur turned sharply.
“Notices?”
Daniel hesitated.
Graham spoke first.
“Arthur, there are always nuisance claims when a major transaction approaches closing.”
Naomi felt anger rise.
She forced herself to remain calm.
“This isn't a nuisance claim.”
Graham laughed bitterly.
“Miss Carter, you are a service employee who interrupted a board meeting to make allegations you cannot prove.”
Arthur raised one hand.
“Graham.”
But the billionaire continued.
“You've admitted you aren't an attorney. You don't understand the transaction. And now you expect this board to entertain some story about an inheritance.”
Naomi looked directly at him.
“I expect you to explain why my dead father's signature appears on a document dated yesterday.”
For several seconds, the room was silent.
Then Arthur spoke.
“That's the question I expect answered too.”
Graham's face reddened.
He pointed toward the door.
“Security.”
Naomi felt her stomach tighten.
A uniformed officer appeared near the entrance.
Graham gestured toward her.
“Remove this woman.”
Arthur stood.
“No.”
The guard stopped.