A later version asserted that necessary approvals had been obtained through the stewardship structure.
Then the final supplemental certificate contained Samuel Brooks's personal signature and a date three years after his death.
The lawyers also identified correspondence raising concerns about the scope of the founder protections.
Arthur read it.
For several seconds, he remained motionless.
Then he looked toward the lead attorney.
“Why wasn't I shown this?”
Her name was Marissa Chen.
She was fifty-three, direct, and accustomed to investigations in which nobody welcomed the answers.
She examined the correspondence.
“That's one of the questions we're asking.”
Arthur looked toward Daniel Mercer's name.
The general counsel had received the concerns.
He had replied that they were being addressed.
Then the board had been given a final document represented as ready for execution.
Arthur took a breath.
“I asked specifically whether the stewardship provisions were resolved.”
Marissa nodded.
“The meeting record supports that.”
“And I was told they were.”
“Yes.”
For a moment, the chairman looked toward the skyline.
Then his expression changed.
“Samuel warned me.”
Marissa waited.
Arthur continued.
“He said one day somebody would try to describe those protections as an inconvenience rather than a commitment.”
The lawyer studied him.
Then asked.
“Do you remember the original purpose?”
Arthur nodded.
“Certain technology developed for public-benefit applications was not to be transferred in a way that eliminated specified licensing commitments without valid approval.”
Marissa looked toward the documents.
“That's broadly consistent with the instruments we've reviewed. The exact scope and current enforceability require analysis.”
Arthur nodded.
Then whispered.
“He made me promise I'd remember why it mattered.”
For a moment, he looked exhausted.
Marissa continued carefully.
“Mr. Bellamy, the fact that a representation was made to you doesn't end your responsibilities as chairman. We'll need to examine what the board did, what it knew, and whether reasonable procedures were followed.”
Arthur looked up.
For several seconds, he seemed wounded.
Then he nodded.
“I understand.”
He looked toward Samuel's signature.
The long curve beneath the surname.
The familiar lettering.
The impossible date.
Then whispered.
“I should have read it.”
Marissa didn't contradict him.
Instead, she turned to the next document.
A formal notice from Miriam Vale concerning Naomi Carter's claim under the stewardship trust.
It had been received by Northstar's legal office two days before the board meeting.
Arthur stared.
For a moment, he couldn't speak.
Then asked.
“Was this distributed to the board?”
Marissa shook her head.