was illegal. We are allowed to make financial decisions in closed-door executive committee without board approval because LuTek is a subsidiary.”
“So you don’t regret your fellow board members—as well as your family—finding out about our business deals via the newspaper?”
My father looked me dead in the eye and said, “No. We did what we had to do. The cable network was a steal at that price.”
“Brady? Ash? Care to share your opinions?”
“I stand by what Archer said,” Ash said.
Brady said, “I concur with the CEO.”
“I know that sounds like a lot of money,” my dad continued, “but Brady and Ash deal with numbers higher than those every day in the buying and selling shell game. They don’t always have time to call a board meeting and get approval or the opportunity is lost.”
“Then why have a board at all?” Jensen asked. “Sounds to me that any objections we raise, you’ve already designed a work-around.”
Jax nodded. “It’s been a point of pride that we don’t have infighting on the LI board, so maybe we’ve become a rubber stamp for the executive officers’ decisions.”
Little discussions broke out and I had to rein them back in. “I agree some of this could stand for a deeper look, but that’s not our focus today. Does anyone have any questions regarding LuTek’s purchase of Wolf Sports North and ESP?”
No one said a word.
That tiny kernel of bitterness arose that my two-million-dollar screwup had garnered way more criticism and suggestions. But the executive officers outright hiding sixty million dollars’ worth of deals doesn’t even get a WTF from anyone on the board?
Just proved I was about to do the right thing. “Well, I have something to say. I understand the need for covert discussions when it comes to business deals. During the past few months after I was named future CEO, I’ve tried to take a more positive attitude anytime I’ve been dismissed from a discussion due to privacy issues. I’ve done my research on acquisitions prospects after the Digi-Dong disaster. Anytime I’ve asked specifics on actions or purchases or sales that didn’t make sense, I basically received a pat on the head and have been told I’d understand if I had real-world experience. Several of you have commented that my time at LI has been so insular that I’ll always be two steps behind. The lack of faith in my abilities has forced me to ask some hard questions of myself.
“So since Archer is on the mend and will likely be back in the big chair as early as next week, I officially tender my resignation to Lund Industries as well as resigning my position on the board of directors. Effective immediately.” I floated the typed resignation to Ash. “Sam, my PA, has agreed to stay in my office until everything on my docket has been cleared. If I might suggest adding Zeke, Zosia or Zach to fill my seat on the board, it’d show solidarity for all the branches of the Lund family, not just those Lunds fortunate enough to reap the rewards of Jackson Lund’s machinations. Thank you.”
I bailed out of the room and nodded at Sam on my way past him. He’d detain them long enough for me to make my getaway.
But where to go? No idea.
* * *
* * *
Gabriella wasn’t answering her phone, which was just as well. I needed to think about what her omission regarding her job meant for the trust we’d begun to build.
I loved her. I knew she loved me. But I also knew that if she lost out on her dream job because of me, we might not ever get past it.
So I was wallowing. Sipping a glass of my most prized scotch, Tullibardine 1952.
The doorbell rang at nine P.M. I knew it wasn’t Gabriella since I’d given her a key.
Maybe she’s here to return it.
Cheery thought.
I snagged my phone and opened the door cam app.
In the image my mom and dad stood on my welcome mat.
As soon as I opened the door, my mother flung herself into my arms.
“Ah, hello, Mom.” I glanced at Dad. “Shouldn’t you be in bed? I’m pretty sure you’ve had enough excitement for one day.”
“Being a bit bossy to your old man for being a former acting interim CEO, doncha think?”
I couldn’t help it; I laughed. “Anyone ever told you you’re an asshole?”
“Lots of people. Every damn day. Now, you gonna let us in, or what?”
My mom finally released me. She wiped under her eyes before looking up