Edward apparently considered that influence guaranteed.
Malcolm removed his phone.
He sent one message.
Hold signing package. Do not release tonight. Need board call before execution.
His general counsel, Caroline Price, answered twenty seconds later.
Issue?
Malcolm typed:
Governance. Conduct. Confirm nothing binding executed.
Her reply came immediately.
Nothing binding beyond existing confidentiality/exclusivity framework. Definitive agreement not signed. Board authority required.
Malcolm put the phone away.
Edward noticed.
“Calling your supervisor?”
The table laughed.
Malcolm said, “Something like that.”
Vanessa leaned toward Edward. “He has an attitude.”
“Everybody does now.”
She looked at Malcolm. “You people always think every room belongs to you.”
The laughter ended before anyone consciously decided to stop.
One of the older investors looked down.
Another guest turned his chair slightly away.
Malcolm remained still.
There it was.
Not ambiguity.
Not misunderstanding.
Vanessa had said exactly what she meant.
Edward did not correct her.
Instead, he smiled.
Malcolm looked toward Isabel.
This time she was already holding her phone near her waist.
Not pointed dramatically.
Recording audio.
He did not stop her.
Edward said, “What?”
Malcolm answered, “Nothing.”
Then he removed his phone again.
“Caroline.”
His general counsel answered.
“Malcolm?”
“Move tonight’s board call forward.”
There was a pause.
“To now?”
“Ten minutes.”
“Understood.”
Edward’s expression shifted.
Malcolm continued, “Ask audit committee chair to join. I want the employee-relations diligence memo circulated again.”
Caroline did not ask why.
“Done.”
He ended the call.
Vanessa stared at him.
Edward frowned.
“Who the hell are you?”
Before Malcolm could answer, the ballroom doors opened.
Two people entered.
Caroline Price walked first, wearing a dark evening suit rather than a gown, followed by Reed Global chief financial officer Daniel Cho. They crossed the room with the hurried restraint of executives trying not to create a spectacle.
Caroline spotted Malcolm.
“Mr. Reed.”
Edward Langford stopped moving.
Daniel reached them.
“Malcolm, directors are assembling now.”
Nobody at the table laughed.
Vanessa looked first at Caroline, then Malcolm.
Her face changed slowly.
Edward stood.
“Reed?”
Malcolm looked at him.
“Yes.”
“The Malcolm Reed?”
“I’m not aware of another one involved in your transaction.”
Edward’s mouth opened.
Closed.
Vanessa whispered, “Oh my God.”
Malcolm placed his glass on the table.
Edward recovered first.
People raised in powerful families often developed an extraordinary ability to behave as though embarrassment had happened to someone else.
“Well,” he said, forcing a laugh. “That explains the misunderstanding.”