Chapter 13 - The Board Meeting
The board meeting began at nine.
Eleven people gathered inside the Vance Recovery Group conference room.
Ethan sat at the head of the table.
Richard had once occupied that chair.
Now he was positioned at the opposite end in his wheelchair.
I stood behind him.
Eleanor sat beside us.
Michael was not present.
That was intentional.
Ethan wore a dark suit and a concerned expression.
“None of us wanted this.”
He began.
I nearly admired the performance.
“For eight months, my family has prayed for Richard’s recovery.”
Richard stared silently at him.
“Unfortunately, multiple medical professionals agree that his physical and cognitive limitations prevent him from fulfilling his responsibilities.”
Ethan displayed reports.
Dr. Reynolds sat nearby.
He refused to look at me.
Then Ethan introduced documents transferring executive authority into a permanent family management structure.
Controlled by Ethan.
Of course.
One board member raised a hand.
“Has Richard agreed?”
Ethan sighed.
“My brother is not capable of understanding the full consequences.”
Richard’s fingers tightened around the wheelchair arm.
I placed one hand lightly on his shoulder.
Wait.
Ethan continued.
The presentation lasted thirty-two minutes.
He described Richard as confused.
Emotionally unstable.
Physically dependent.
Unable to make rational business decisions.
Every sentence was another shovel of dirt thrown onto Richard’s identity.
Finally, Ethan looked toward him.
“I’m sorry, brother.”
Richard spoke.
“Are you?”
The room became quiet.
Ethan smiled gently.
“I know this is difficult.”
Richard looked toward Dr. Reynolds.
“Did you personally prescribe every medication I have received?”
The doctor froze.
Ethan interrupted.
“This isn’t relevant.”
Richard looked at the board.
“I asked my physician a question.”
Dr. Reynolds swallowed.
“Your medication plan has been adjusted over time.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
Dr. Reynolds looked toward Ethan.
Richard smiled.
“Interesting.”
Then he turned toward me.
“Maya.”
I placed copies of the Vitalis payment records in front of every board member.
Ethan’s face changed.
“What is this?”
Richard answered.
“Two million dollars paid to your consulting company.”
Board members began whispering.
Ethan laughed.
“Perfectly legal consulting work.”
Richard produced another document.
“Then perhaps you can explain why the payments began three weeks before you attempted to force the Vitalis contract through.”
Ethan’s face reddened.
“This is absurd.”
Richard nodded toward me again.
I played Michael’s recorded phone call.
Ethan’s voice filled the conference room.
Tomorrow makes the incapacity permanent.
And after tomorrow?
We move him.
For how long?
For as long as necessary.
Nobody moved.
Ethan stood suddenly.
“You recorded me?”
The doors opened.
Michael walked in with two attorneys and three state investigators.
Ethan stepped backward.
“This is a setup.”
Richard looked at him.
“Yes.”
Ethan pointed toward Richard.
“He’s mentally unstable.”
Richard’s expression did not change.
“He can barely move.”
Richard slowly released the wheelchair brakes.
I knew what he was about to do.
My heart pounded.
He placed both hands on the armrests.
He pushed upward.
The room erupted in gasps.
Richard stood.
His legs trembled violently.
I remained close enough to catch him.
But I did not touch him.
Not yet.
He took one step.
Ethan’s face went white.
Richard took another.
Then another.
He stopped directly across the table from his brother.
“You spent eight months convincing everyone I was helpless.”
May you like
Richard’s voice was quiet.
“You should have spent more time making sure it was true.”
