One director asked what would happen if Preston sued the company over his removal. Jonathan explained that contractual rights and litigation risks would have to be handled properly, but fear of a lawsuit did not relieve the board of its duty to act in the company's interests.
Another asked whether the investment would still proceed if Preston was removed. Rachel said the transaction depended on formal approvals and Malik's final decision, not on a promise made to secure a particular vote.
"We should not remove a CEO because an investor wants it," she said. "We should remove him if the evidence demonstrates that he cannot be trusted to lead responsibly. Those are different questions."
The distinction mattered to Malik. He didn't want to buy an outcome with a check. He wanted the directors to make the decision they should have made even if he took the investment elsewhere.
The vote followed the governing documents. Preston, whose conduct was under review, did not participate. The eight eligible directors voted to terminate his service as chief executive, subject to the applicable employment and corporate formalities. All eight voted yes.
Rachel read the result aloud in the confidential session. Nobody cheered. It was an extraordinary decision, and everybody understood that it would create difficult work in the weeks ahead.
Preston was invited back to hear the outcome. He entered with his attorney, still expecting some last-minute compromise.
Rachel remained standing.
"The board has voted unanimously among eligible directors to remove you as chief executive officer of Yarrow Industries, effective today. The company will communicate the required transition arrangements through counsel."
Preston stopped beside his chair.
"You can't do that."
Jonathan spoke quietly. "The board has acted under its governing authority. Your attorney will receive the documentation."
Preston looked at Rachel. "Twelve years. I gave this company twelve years of my life."
"And the board has reviewed your actions during the last eleven days," she replied. "The conclusion is about whether you can continue leading it responsibly."
"You're throwing me out for a security mistake."
Malik looked up. He had stayed quiet during the vote and had no intention of taking over the directors' role. But Preston's words demanded an answer.
"It wasn't just the handcuffs," he said. "It was how certain you were that you didn't need to know me. And then every choice you made after someone proved you wrong. You had eleven days to tell the truth. You chose something else every time."
Preston's eyes narrowed. "You think you've won because you have money?"
Malik shook his head. "The money didn't make what you did wrong. It only made you regret doing it to me."
The words settled over the room.
Preston glanced toward the directors, searching one last time for an ally. Richard looked down at the table. Wallace folded his hands. Susan stared back at him without blinking. Nobody stood.
He gathered his portfolio and walked toward the door. Janine Morales, the regional security manager, and a building supervisor were waiting outside to accompany him while his building access was deactivated. Nobody put a hand on him. Nobody used cuffs. There was no reason to.