Chapter 164
Chapter 169
Madison
The ride to Knight Industries was tense but quick. Alexander drove with focused precision, occasionally checking his phone at red lights. We arrived at 7:45 AM, pulling into his reserved parking spot.
“Take notes on everything. We’ll need a complete record of this meeting,” Alexander instructed as we entered the building.
“Of course, Mr. Knight p>
The executive floor was buzzing with activity despite the early hours. Staff members hurried about with determined expressions, and I could feel the tension in the air. The usual morning chatter was replaced with hushed, urgent conversations and the constant ringing of phones.
Alexander strode ahead of me toward the main boardroom, his presence commanding immediate attention from everyone we passed. I followed closely behind, tablet in hand, ready for what promised to be an intense meeting.
“The board members are already arriving,” I informed him, checking my watch. “Most of the major
shareholders have confirmed attendance as well p>
He nodded curtly without looking back. “Good. Let’s get this over with p>
The boardroom was already half full when we entered. Men and women in expensive suits stood in clusters, their conversations stopping abruptly as Alexander walked in. I recognized most of the faces from previous meetings and company events–board members, major investors, and the
executive team.
Alexander took his position at the head of the table without a preamble. I settled into a chair slightly
behind him, positioning my tablet to take notes.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Alexander began, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “I appreciate your prompt attendance this morning. As you’re all aware, we’re facing serious allegations that have significantly impacted our stock price p>
The CFO raised his hand. “Mr. Knight, we’ve lost billions in market cap since yesterday p>
“Mine’s down twenty–three,” another board member added, his face flushed with anger.
I watched as several people nodded in agreement, their expressions ranging from concern to outright panic.
“I understand your concerns,” Alexander replied, his voice steady and controlled. “But I want to be
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absolutely clear – these allegations are completely unfounded. There is no financial fraud at Knight Industries. There never has been p>
“Then how do you explain the supposed ‘evidence‘ being circulated?” A woman at the far end of the table leaned forward, her gold jewelry clinking against the polished surface.
I recognized her as Georgia Knight, Alexander’s step–sister. Though I’d seen her at company functions before, I’d never observed any warm interactions between her and Alexander. Today was no different – he barely acknowledged her question with a glance.
“The documents being circulated are forgeries,” Alexander stated firmly. “Poorly executed ones at that. Our legal team is already preparing to take action against the publications that ran these stories without proper verification p>
Henry Knight, Alexander’s step–brother, cleared his throat from his position near the middle of the table. “While I appreciate your confidence, the market clearly doesn’t share it. We need more than denials p>
Alexander’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. I’d been around him enough to recognize his tells – he was annoyed but maintaining his composure.
“Which is precisely why we’ve called this meeting,” he responded smoothly. “Our CFO has prepared an analysis of our actual financial position, which will be distributed momentarily. Additionally, we’re expediting the release of our quarterly report, which shows record growth across all divisions p>
The tension in the room seemed to ease slightly as assistants began distributing folders containing financial reports. I caught a few relieved expressions as board members flipped through the pages.
“These numbers look solid,” one of the older board members commented, adjusting his glasses as he studied the report.
“Because they are solid,” Alexander replied.
“Then who would target us with these allegations?” a shareholder asked. “And why now p>
Alexander’s expression darkened. “That’s the million–dollar question. Or rather, the billion–dollar question, given what these lies have cost us p>
The head of Legal stood up, straightening his tie. “We’ve identified several suspicious trading patterns in the days leading up to these allegations. Large short positions were established by entities we’re still working to identify. This has all the hallmarks of a coordinated attack designed to manipulate our stock price. We’re working with regulatory authorities to track down the source of these allegations p>
Georgia Knight tapped her manicured nails against the table. “While I appreciate the detective work, Alexander Knight, what’s your plan for immediate stock recovery? Some of us have commitments
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that rely on the value of our Knight Industries shares p>
I noticed several board members nodding in agreement.
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Alexander didn’t miss a beat. “We’ve already issued a strong statement refuting the allegations. The expedited quarterly report will be released by the end of the day. We’ve scheduled interviews with key financial media outlets throughout the day. By market close, we expect to have regained significant ground p>
“You expect?” Henry Knight raised an eyebrow. “That’s not particularly reassuring p>
“Would you prefer I lie to you, Henry Knight?” Alexander replied coolly. “Market psychology isn’t an exact science. But our response plan follows best practices for crisis management, and initial feedback from analysts has been positive p>
A younger board member who I recognized as a tech investor spoke up. “I actually think Mr. Knight is handling this well. The statement last night was strong, and the Asian markets are already showing signs of recovery. Tokyo closed down only twelve percent after opening at minus thirty one.
“Exactly,” our CFO nodded vigorously. “European markets are stabilizing too. Frankfurt opened down seventeen percent but has already recovered to minus six p>
I continued taking notes as the conversation flowed around the table. The initial panic seemed to subside as more people reviewed the financial data and recovery plan.
“Mr. Knight,” I whispered, sliding a note toward Alexander. “The PR team just confirmed CNBC is ready for your interview at 9:30, right after the opening bell p>
He nodded slightly, then addressed the room again. “Ladies and gentlemen, I understand your concerns. Your portfolios have taken a hit, as has mine. But Knight Industries is sound. Our fundamentals are strong. This is a temporary situation created by malicious actors, and we will
overcome it p>
“And if we don’t?” Georgia challenged. “What’s your contingency plan if the stock continues to fall p>
Alexander’s smile was sharp. “That won’t happen p>
“But if it does,” she persisted.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.