Chapter 6 - The Boardroom Mutiny|
By the next morning, news of Maxwell Rochester’s sudden disappearance from the high-stakes merger had spread through the financial district like wildfire.
Inside the glass-walled boardroom of Rochester Enterprises, the board of directors sat in a state of chaotic fury. At the head of the table sat Arthur Pendelton, the senior board member and Max's long-time rival.
"He walked away from a four-hundred-million-dollar acquisition!" Arthur slammed his fist onto the mahogany table. "He turned off his phone! The Asian delegation is threatening to pull out entirely!"
Sarah, Max's young assistant, stood nervously near the door holding a stack of files. "Mr. Pendelton, Mr. Rochester said it was a critical family emergency—"
"There are no family emergencies in this company!" Arthur interrupted sharply. "Maxwell Rochester built his reputation on having no family ties! This is a breach of fiduciary duty."
Arthur turned to the rest of the board members, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
"I move to call an emergency vote of no confidence," Arthur declared smoothly. "If Maxwell cannot manage his personal affairs, he is unfit to serve as Chief Executive Officer of this company."
Several board members nodded in agreement, murmuring quietly. The stock prices were dropping, and the media was already questioning the CEO's sudden absence.
Before a vote could be formally called, the double doors of the boardroom clicked open.
Max walked in.
He was not wearing his usual pristine Italian suit. He wore a simple dark sweater and trousers, his hair unstyled, dark circles bruising the skin under his eyes.
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Behind him stood little Lily, holding a sketchbook, clutching her purple backpack.
The entire boardroom fell dead silent.
