“Let’s begin,” he said.
No one spoke immediately because no one wanted to be the first.
Finally—
One of the board members cleared his throat.
“Mr. Carter… I think we should address the situation directly.”
Ross nodded slightly.
“Go ahead.”
The man hesitated.
Then said it.
“Most of the shares… have already been sold.”
The words hung heavy in the air.
Ross didn’t react immediately but his fingers tightened slightly against the table.
“…to him?” he asked.
Even though he already knew.
The man nodded.
“Yes.”
There was silence. Then another voice spoke.
“We were approached individually.”
Another added—
“With offers far above market value.”
“And with terms that made refusal… unwise.”
Ross’s gaze hardened.
“You could have consulted me.”
A bitter laugh came from across the ta
