NICHOLAS
The board member called at eight.
Gerald Ashworth. Sixty-seven years old, Carter Group board since my father's time. He had been in rooms where decisions were made for long enough that he believed his presence in those rooms was what made them significant.
He called my direct line which told me he wanted me to know he had it. He had heard some things he felt obligated to share.
I listened for four minutes.
He said stability concerns twice and family complications once. He also mentioned the optics of the current situation more times than I counted. He did not say Liam's name.
"Thank you for calling, Gerald," I said when he finished. "I'll take it under advisement."
"Nicholas, I just want to make sure—"
"I appreciate your concern," I said. "Have a good morning."
I ended
