CHAPTER 7: The Board Learns to Stand

Cowards are quick learners when power changes chairs.
The director who had checked his watch now asked for an independent investigation.
The chairman, suddenly pale with principle, requested that Grant surrender his company badge and devices.
Another board member asked whether law enforcement had been notified.
Arthur answered without looking away from Grant.
“They are downstairs.”
Grant laughed once, a ruined sound.
“You would destroy me over a domestic argument?”
Grace heard several men inhale at the stupidity of it.
She stepped forward before her father could speak.
“No,” she said. “This began long before you touched me in front of witnesses.”
Her voice did not shake.
That surprised her more than anyone else.
“You stole from the company. You lied to the board. You framed your wife because you believed a woman who loved you would rather be blamed than expose you.”
Grant stared at her mouth, at the small red proof of his own arrogance.
Grace continued, softer now.
“You were right about one thing. I loved you.”
Then she looked at the folder on the table.
“That is why I waited too long.”
The cruelty had been public. The accounting would be public too.
That was the only justice Grant understood: the kind that happened in rooms where he could not control the lighting.