Harold stood, buttoning his jacket with deliberate slowness. “I need to provide some context,” he said.

His voice carried the patronizing warmth he used for difficult clients.

“Cecily is my daughter,” he said. “And I love her. But she’s not qualified to address this board on any business matter. She works in an administrative role. She has no legal training, no financial background, no strategic experience.”

Josephine chimed in, her tone dripping with false sympathy. “Cecily also has a learning disability. She struggles with reading. We’ve tried to support her, but—”

She shrugged elegantly. “Some limitations can’t be overcome with effort alone,” she said.

A few board members shifted uncomfortably in their seats.