Page 133 of Secret Heir For The Billionaire Twin

“The market has erased nearly a fifth of the company’s value in two days. Investors are asking whether leadership can objectively investigate decisions leadership made.”

Several board members shift in their seats.

There it is.

Not an accusation..yet. A position. Preston has spent forty-eight hours watching the stock fall and deciding where the leverage is. Vivian closes the folder in front of her.

“A crisis committee may eventually be appropriate,” she says.

“It is not legally required at this stage, and I would strongly advise against creating governance structures simply because the press is demanding visible action.”

Preston turns toward her.

“And if the board disagrees?”

“Then the board can vote.”

He does. The motion passes narrowly enough to irritate me and comfortably enough to matter. Preston is appointed to the committee along with two other directors. By 3:00, he has converted market panic into institutional authority. I am gathering my papers when he speaks again.

“There’s one more issue.”

I stop. Preston looks toward Vivian before returning his attention to me.

“The journalist.”

My hand stills over the folder.

“What about her?”

“Sophie Callahan has had unusual access to this company over the past month.”

Adrian looks at me.

Preston continues.

“Executive offices. Archives. Boston. Milan. Private conversations with senior leadership.”

“She was here on an authorized profile,” I say.

“No one is disputing that,” Preston replies.

“I’m asking what she saw.”

“What she was permitted to see.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

I feel my temper tighten. Vivian intervenes before I answer.

“Preston, if you’re suggesting Ms. Callahan had access to privileged material, say so.”

“I’m asking whether anyone can guarantee she didn’t.”

“I can,” I say.

Adrian’s gaze moves toward me.

Preston leans back. “Based on what?”