The Vote
Chapter 11 - The Vote
The Morgan House boardroom had never felt like a battlefield before.
Allie arrived at 8:45 a.m.
Richard was already there.
So was Evelyn Shaw.
Seeing them side by side removed every remaining doubt.
Same gray-green eyes.
Same sharp jawline.
Evelyn smiled politely.
“Colonel Morgan.”
Allie sat down.
“Ms. Shaw.”
Richard opened the meeting.
He presented documents claiming Allie had resigned.
Helen objected.
Then Richard produced the original limited power of attorney.
Except it was not the document Allie remembered.
Additional language had been inserted.
Language granting Richard broad authority over foundation matters.
Allie stared at it.
“My signature is real.”
Richard smiled.
“Yes.”
For one horrifying moment, she thought he had won.
Then Allie remembered the day she signed it.
She had been packing for Germany.
Richard had placed sticky tabs beside several signature lines.
Insurance documents.
Tax documents.
One page she had barely read.
Her signature was real.
The document surrounding it was not.
Helen requested forensic review.
Richard refused delay.
The vote proceeded.
Three members supported postponement.
Three supported Richard.
Judge Harris held the deciding vote.
Richard turned toward him.
“Samuel, this foundation cannot survive personal warfare.”
Judge Harris folded his hands.
“You’re right.”
Richard smiled.
Then Harris continued.
“That is why I vote to suspend all property transactions until an independent investigation is completed.”
Richard’s smile vanished.
The room erupted.
The sale was blocked.
Temporarily.
Outside, Evelyn cornered Allie.
“You think Richard is the problem.”
Allie looked at her.
“Isn’t he?”
Evelyn smiled.
“My brother is many things. But he was never smart enough to plan this.”
Allie felt a chill.
“Then who did?”
Evelyn stepped closer.
“Ask your father.”
“My father is dead.”
“I know.”
Evelyn walked away.
May you like
Then she turned.
“But he kept secrets better than Richard ever could.”
