Page 33 of Rekindling Desire

My nostrils flared as I inhaled.

Dani was kind enough to acknowledge the comment.

“News of Mr. Derek Sinclair’s illness has reached the masses,” Gloria went on. “His precarious health status has been reported by social media posts, news agencies, and financial media. Sinclair Pharmaceuticals appears weak in the eyes of the pharmacological world.”

“We are not weak,” Dani injected before I could stand.

“We are not, but we appear as such,” Gloria said. “As a board, we must stand behind the best leader for this company. It is obvious that Derek’s children are torn, their attention divided.”

Children?

All three of us?

Ella and I exchanged looks of confusion.

“Damien,” Dani said, “Mr. Damien Sinclair, you are CEO of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals. Please address the board as to your attention.”

Standing, I tugged at my suit coat before stepping away from my seat and walking to the front of the room. After flashing Gloria a smile, I addressed the board as well as the stockholders. “Thank you for your concern, Ms. Wilmott. Our father is on the road to recovery. It’s true that my siblings and I have spent many hours in the hospital in Florida. We love our father. That in no way means that Sinclair Pharmaceuticals has been neglected. I am the CEO, and I intend to continue my position. Under my leadership…” I went on to tout the accomplishments and financial gains over the last five years.

“You’re still under a probationary period,” Gloria said. “One your father felt was necessary to adhere to.”

“I am,” I admitted.

“Having a probationary CEO does not instill confidence,” Gloria said. “I believe it is time for a vote of no confidence.”

“Excuse me,” I said, “who doesn’t have confidence?”

“Me,” Darius said, standing.

“And me,” Amber added.

Slowly multiple other members of the stockholders stood to their feet. It wasn’t close to a majority; nevertheless, it was upsetting.

Dani pounded her gavel. “We just heard from our CEO as to what he has accomplished. I’d like to hear from some of you who want this no-confidence vote as to your reasoning.”

Amber raised her hand.

“Ms. Wilmott,” Dani said.

“Mrs. Sinclair,” Amber corrected.

A din of chatter filled the room.

“Order,” Dani said. “Mrs. Sinclair, you have the floor.”

“It has come to my husband’s attention that his brother, Damien, has and continues to compromise the integrity of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.” Before anyone could comment, she added, “He’s working with our competitors.”

Gabriella

Competitors.

Van had been right in his warning. Darius and Amber were working with Dwain Welsh from Moon Medical, gaining access to the pharma coalition, and twisting its objective.

“Mr. Damien Sinclair,” Gloria asked, “what say ye to these charges?”

I’d forgotten the antiquated speech during these meetings. If it wasn’t so serious for Damien, I’d give more thought to finding myself in a low-rate B-movie with horrible script writing.

Damien spoke to the room. “The accusations are ludicrous. I have not jeopardized Sinclair Pharmaceuticals in any way. Can Mrs. Sinclair” —he was looking at Amber— “be more specific. We have many competitors in our business.”

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