When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 116: Boardroom tensions

Chapter 116: Boardroom tensions

Samuel sat in the boardroom, his gaze focused, his fingers tapping lightly on the polished table. The tension in the room was thick; he could feel it in the way everyone avoided each other’s eyes.

Raver Lucas, his uncle, sat to his right, his expression unreadable but calm, hands clasped in front of him. Across the table, Daren Farrell, the COO, leaned forward, scribbling something on his notepad.

Bart Brendon and Billy Braham, two independent directors, exchanged a quick look before turning their attention to Samuel, waiting for him to start.

"We all know why we’re here," Samuel began, his voice firm but carrying a slight edge. "The company’s reputation has taken a hit. Stock prices are dropping, and it’s clear the scandal with Revilo and Cain has rattled investors."

Raver nodded thoughtfully. "The media isn’t helping, either. Every paper and network has us under a microscope. We need to take immediate action to restore confidence."

Daren looked up, his expression serious. "The question is, what’s our plan to counter the damage? We need a strategy to keep the investors from panicking and pulling out."

Samuel glanced at Daren, feeling a flicker of unease. Daren had always been loyal to his father, but Samuel couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to him. "I agree, Daren. But it’s more than just a strategy. We need to show everyone we’re still strong and capable of handling this."

Billy, one of the independent directors, cleared his throat. "Strong words, Samuel, but words alone won’t stop the stock from sliding. We need a concrete plan—and fast."

Bart nodded in agreement, folding his arms. "Exactly. We’re all here because we want what’s best for the company. But let’s be honest, everyone here has their own interests too. We need to be realistic about what we’re willing to risk."

Samuel felt his jaw tighten. Bart and Billy were the kind of men who would switch sides in a heartbeat if it suited them. He knew he had to keep them on his side, at least for now. "Bart, Billy, I understand your concerns. But let’s not forget that any move we make now will affect all of us. We’re in this together, whether we like it or not."

Raver leaned forward, a small, calculated smile on his face. "Samuel’s right. We’re a team, and right now, this team needs to stay united. We’ve weathered storms before; we can do it again."

Samuel couldn’t help but feel a pang of doubt. He respected Raver, trusted him once, but lately, he’d been sensing something different—a hunger for power that was subtle but unmistakable. Still, he needed Raver on his side for now.

Edward Jones, the real estate expert, cleared his throat and spoke up, his tone calm but deliberate. "We should consider adjusting our portfolio. Maybe we need to scale back on risky investments until we stabilize."

Samuel nodded, considering Edward’s point. "That’s a good suggestion. We can’t afford to take any big risks right now. But we also need to address the internal structure here. Investors are worried, and if they sense any instability within our own board, it’ll only get worse."

Daren leaned back, tapping his pen against his notepad thoughtfully. "It’s true. Confidence comes from within. We need to show a united front, as Raver said. But what about the leadership? With all due respect, Samuel, people are questioning our direction. They want to know who’s steering this ship."

Samuel felt a rush of frustration but kept his tone measured. "I understand that, Daren. And I’m here to lead. But if anyone here has any concerns about my ability to do that, now’s the time to speak."

The room went silent for a moment, tension hanging in the air like a thick fog. Samuel looked from face to face, waiting. He could see Bart and Billy exchange another glance, but neither spoke up. Raver looked like he wanted to say something, but he remained quiet.

Finally, Edward broke the silence. "We all know what happened with Revilo and Cain was a setback. But we can’t let it overshadow everything we’ve built. Samuel, if you have a plan, I believe we should hear it."

Samuel gave Edward a slight nod of appreciation. "Thank you, Edward. The first step is damage control. We need to be transparent with our investors, show them that we’re handling this situation head-on. I’ll set up a press conference, make a statement. But I need everyone here to back me up. I can’t do this alone."

Raver smiled, a little too warmly. "Of course, nephew. You have my full support. We’re all behind you."

Samuel felt the words stick in his throat but managed a nod. He wanted to believe Raver, but something about his tone didn’t sit right.

Billy leaned forward, his expression shrewd. "And what about the future? We can’t just react to this. We need to think long-term. What are we going to do to make sure something like this doesn’t happen again?"

Daren nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We need more than just a quick fix. We need a plan to rebuild trust over the long term."

Samuel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. "I understand that. That’s why we’ll be implementing stricter oversight on all deals and partnerships. Nothing gets approved without a thorough background check. And that includes looking closer at our own team."

Bart raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "Are you suggesting we can’t trust our own people?"

Samuel met his gaze steadily. "I’m saying we need to be careful. Revilo and Cain were one of us, and they nearly brought us down. We can’t afford to let that happen again."

Raver’s eyes glinted, and Samuel could feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. "So, you’re suggesting we start questioning each other?"

"Not questioning," Samuel replied calmly. "Just being cautious. This is about protecting the company, not pointing fingers."

Daren spoke up, his tone measured. "It’s a fair point. If we’re serious about regaining trust, we need to make sure everyone’s on the same page. No more surprises."

The room fell silent again, and Samuel could see the unease in their faces. He knew he was walking a fine line, but he couldn’t afford to back down now.

"Alright," Billy finally said, his voice resigned. "If this is the plan, then let’s get on with it. But Samuel, just remember—if this doesn’t work, we’re all going to pay the price."

Samuel nodded, feeling the weight of their gazes on him. "I understand, Billy. But I believe in this company. And I believe we can pull through this, together."

Raver smiled, but there was a coldness in his eyes that made Samuel’s stomach twist. "Then let’s hope you’re right, Samuel. Because if you’re wrong...well, let’s not think about that."

The meeting ended, and one by one, the board members filed out. Samuel stayed seated, watching them go, feeling the lingering doubts and hidden agendas hanging in the air. He knew he couldn’t trust everyone in that room, but for now, he had no choice.

As the door closed behind the last of them, Samuel took a deep breath, pulled out his phone, and called Zinnia. He wanted to know how her day was going so far.