Sally unmutes. "The projections assume we'll close the new Gulf of Mexico lease acquisition by end of quarter. Are we still on track for that timeline?"
"Legal's reviewing final terms this week. I'm meeting with our counsel this afternoon." I make a note on my pad. "Barring any unexpected issues, we should have signatures before month end."
"And if there are unexpected issues?" Armand's voice cuts through. Smooth, concerned. The voice of someone asking reasonable questions instead of laying traps. "Given that you're working remotely this week, will you be available to negotiate in person if the sellers require face-to-face discussions?"
There it is. The subtle implication that my absence is a liability.
"I'm available by video conference for any negotiations." I keep my tone even. "In today's market, virtual negotiations are standard practice. The sellers have been conducting due diligence remotely for the past two months. There's no indication they require in-person meetings at this stage."
"Of course." Armand's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "I'm simply concerned that after last quarter's challenges with the Angola project, we can't afford any delays that might be perceived as lack of commitment from leadership."
The reference to Angola is deliberate. A project I personally negotiated that hit unexpected regulatory hurdles, costing us months of delays and significant capital. It eventually succeeded, but Armand made sure the board remembered every setback along the way.
"The Angola project is now generating revenue ahead of projections." I meet his gaze through the screen. "And the delays were due to regulatory changes beyond our control, not lack of commitment. The new Gulf acquisition is on a completely different risk profile."
"Naturally. I'm not questioning your commitment, Simone. Simply ensuring we're prepared for all contingencies." He leans back in his chair, the picture of reasonable concern. "Particularly given the security concerns that necessitated this remote arrangement."
Every executive on the call stiffens slightly. The topic I'd hoped to avoid is now front and center.
"The security concern is precautionary and being handled by professionals." I keep my voice level. "It doesn't impact my ability to run this company or close critical deals. Now, unless there are other questions about Q2 projections, let's move to operational updates. Patricia?"
Patricia takes the cue and launches into her report. But I can feel the shift among them. The questions they're not asking. The speculation about what kind of security concern would require their CEO to work remotely.
Armand's smile makes me wonder if he knows exactly what kind of questions they're asking themselves.
The meeting continues for nearly an hour. Operational updates, strategic initiatives, risk assessments. I field questions, make decisions, and maintain the illusion that everything is perfectly normal. That I'm in complete control.
When the call ends, I close the laptop and let my shoulders drop. The act is exhausting.
"He's trying to undermine you." Luc's voice comes from the corner. I'd almost forgotten he was there. "Angola project. Making success look like failure."
"That's Armand's specialty. Subtle sabotage wrapped in concerned questions." I rub my temples and feel the beginning of a tension headache building. "He's been doing it for years. The board's used to it."
"Does he know about the stalker?"
The question makes my stomach drop. "No. I haven't told anyone except Margot."
"He's fishing." Luc stands, moves closer.
"He'll speculate. Probably guess it's personal rather than professional. But he won't have details." I hope. "Unless someone at Dominion talked."
"Margot runs a tight operation. NDAs. Vetted staff." He studies me with that searching look that sees too much. "Your uncle doesn't need details. Just doubt."
His assessment cuts too close to fears I've been trying to ignore. "You think he's involved?"
"He wants you destroyed professionally. Whether he's involved with the stalking or opportunistic—we'll find out." Luc pulls out his phone, makes a note. "We're checking everyone with motive. Family included."
The idea of Armand being behind the stalking feels both horrifying and implausible. "He's vindictive, but surveillance cameras in private club rooms? Sexually explicit photographs? That's not his style."
"He could be using someone else's obsession. Amplifying a threat he didn't create." Luc pockets his phone. "We'll know more when forensics comes back. Tell me about everyone who's fought your leadership. Everyone who wanted your position. Everyone with reason to want you discredited."
I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "That's half the executive team and most of the board."
"Start with the ones who had the most to gain." He moves to the window and does that constant perimeter check I'm starting to recognize. "Your next meeting is legal review?"
"In about an hour. Contract terms for the Gulf acquisition." I glance at my laptop. "Straightforward. No drama expected."
"And a board member at one?"
