Page 123 of Sinclair Duet

As Rachel Stokes stood and spoke, I watched the uneasiness of Gloria. A quick turn of my head and I saw her displeasure mirrored by her daughter and son-in-law.

“Do we have any reports to share?” Dani asked.

The answer was no.

“Our next item of business is time-sensitive situations.”

“Madam chairwoman,” Gloria said. “I have a time-sensitive matter to discuss. It’s the reason I called this meeting.”

“Ms. Wilmott, the floor is yours.”

Gloria cleared her throat as she stood. “On a personal note, Dr. Sinclair and both Mr. Sinclairs, the board’s thoughts and prayers are with your parents at this difficult time.”

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.”

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