Chapter 10 - The Vote That Changed EverythingMaya began with Blake Collier.
“Effective immediately, Blake Collier is suspended pending termination review,” she said. “Human Resources will collect statements from lobby staff, security, and visitors who interacted with him.”
Charles raised a hand. “A termination decision requires process.”
Maya nodded. “Then we will follow process. Properly, for the first time.”
Evelyn Marsh asked, “And who oversees that review?”
“Elena Ruiz.”
Several people looked confused.
Samuel glanced at the file. “The junior analyst from the lobby?”
“Yes,” Maya said. “She recognized a problem and attempted to act despite pressure. I want her temporarily assigned to the transition ethics team.”
Charles scoffed. “That is absurd. You cannot promote someone because she was polite in a lobby.”
Maya’s eyes sharpened. “No. But I can promote someone because courage is a qualification this company forgot to measure.”
The next item was larger.
Maya moved to restructure executive oversight, freeze bonus packages for departments under investigation, and open an independent review of small business lending practices. Three senior executives objected. Two claimed the timing was too aggressive. One warned that investors disliked instability.
Maya listened.
Then she displayed the final slide.
It showed Harrington’s declining trust score, pending regulatory exposure, employee retention loss, and hidden settlement costs.
“Instability is already here,” she said. “You simply gave it expensive furniture.”
Samuel Grant called for a vote on the transition plan.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Evelyn raised her hand.
Another director followed.
Then another.
Charles Voss kept both hands on the table.
The vote passed.
Maya turned to him. “Mr. Voss, you chaired the risk committee during the period when several of these complaints were buried.”
Charles’s face hardened. “Careful.”
“I am.”
She slid a sealed envelope toward him.
“This is notice of an independent investigation into your committee’s conduct. You may remain silent today, but you will not remain protected.”
May you like
For the first time all morning, Charles looked toward the door as if wishing someone would rescue him.
No one did.
