"The board voted to remove you permanently as chief executive," he said.
Sloan had expected the decision, but expectation did not lessen its finality. She looked through the glass wall at employees moving between desks.
"I understand."
"Your severance remains under review. There will be civil claims."
"I understand that, too."
Caleb folded his hands. "Russell believes you should have no future at Vail Meridian. He may be right."
"Several directors want a clean separation so the company can present your departure as the end of the problem."
Sloan gave a faint, bitter smile. "That would be convenient."
"It would also be false. The problem was larger than you, though you strengthened it."
She looked at him. "Why am I here?"
Caleb considered the woman before him. The certainty that once entered rooms ahead of her was gone, but absence of arrogance was not the same as presence of character.
Remorse could be sincere and still temporary.
"I am willing to offer you a position," he said.
Sloan stared at him. "As what?"
"Field accountability coordinator."
"I don't know what that means."
"It means you will spend one year rotating through the St. Paul plant, service depots, customer support centers, and warehouse operations. You will have no executive authority. You will document safety concerns, follow complaints to resolution, and report to a committee that includes hourly employees. Your compensation will be the standard salary for the role."
"You want me to become an internal auditor?"
"No. Auditors arrive with power. You will arrive with a notebook and the obligation to listen."
She leaned back, stunned.
Everyone would know. Former subordinates would see her wearing a visitor vest, waiting for permission to enter areas she once controlled from above. Business publications would call it punishment. Friends in her old world would consider it disgraceful.
Caleb watched the conflict pass across her face.
"You are not required to accept," he said. "You could leave with what remains of your reputation and begin somewhere else."
"Why offer it at all?"
"Because removing a person is sometimes necessary. It is not always the same as repairing what they damaged."
"Do you believe I can repair it?"
"I believe you can participate. Whether people trust you is not mine to decide."
Sloan looked down at the coffee. "Would I ever be considered for leadership again?"