–Griffin: Yeah. Sorry.
–Huxley: Same.
–Me: Did anybody forget?
No response. Of course not. My brothers would never forget. I can’t even get angry with them because they did what I asked.
–Grant: There might be enough people supporting her. Her family’s been in charge for so long. But if that fails, try to appoint an interim CEO who’s friendly to her. It can be an extended vacation, so she can recharge and come back even stronger.
–Griffin: Precisely. Think about Steve Jobs. He was ousted from Apple once, but when he came back, he was unstoppable.
–Huxley: It’s all about framing and perspective.
Spoken like a true ad executive. On the other hand, they’re right. If I can’t save her CEO seat, I can at least help her make the best of the situation.
Still, I can’t just sit on my ass.
“Christoph, get me a list of every major shareholder at Peery Diamonds. And their contact info.Now.”
* * *
I cancel all my meetings and tasks for the day. I look over the list Christoph brings and sort people into three categories—pro-Luce, anti-Luce and unknown.
Christoph and I spend our time calling and texting people in the unknown category. Many don’t have any particular feelings for Luce as the CEO one way or the other. Those people generally agree she might deserve another chance when I explain the cause of her difficulties. But there are others who are less tractable.
“A bit unusual, to have a CEO’s husband campaign for her,” Miles Wellington observes. He’s an assistant to Barron Sterling, who is one of the top shareholders. “Not terribly ‘corporate.’ But sweet in its own way, I suppose.”
This isn’t good. There’s been talk of Barron turning into a bit of a romantic himself in the past several years, but he didn’t build his multibillion-dollar empire by mixing personal matters with business. He would think badly of me if I tried to appeal to his new reputation. “I’m not contacting you as her husband, but as a fellow shareholder and a business partner. Sebastian Jewelry and Peery Diamonds are doing a joint venture together, and I’m afraid it won’t succeed without her involvement.”
“I see.” His voice softens a little. “I’ll let Mr. Sterling know.”
But not everyone’s like Miles. Some openly say they agree with what Roderick has told them. “She’s too young. It’s too bad about her assistant, but if she were more experienced, maybe she would’ve realized her assistant was suspect.”
Fucking Roderick. He makes it sound like he cares about his daughter’s wellbeing, but in reality, he just wants her out. Probably just petty revenge—he must be pissed that she cut him off, along with his worthless children. How many in the unknown category secretly side with him? Do I have enough firepower to counter them?
If only I had my brothers’ votes… Then Roderick wouldn’t matter.
Focus. I can’t undo what’s already been done. I can only try to mitigate the damage. Christoph and I manage to get through all the unknowns. By the time we’re done, it’s after eight. I tell him he can take some comp time in the morning. After he’s gone, I text my family.
–Me: You will support Luce at tomorrow’s shareholder meeting.
–Mom: Why?
–Me: Because I want you to.
–Travis: What’s in it for us?
How about I don’t choke off all funds so you won’t experience what it’s like to have to balance your checkbook?
I bite my tongue. That isn’t going to get them to act.
–Me: Would you like to be able to control your money again?
–Mom: Really?
–Grandmother: How do we know you’re going to keep your promise?
–Me: Sue me. You have the text.
