The tension in the room shifted. Josephine’s head snapped up. Even Margaret looked surprised.

“What I’m proposing,” I continued, “is a vote of confidence. The board will decide whether Harold Ashford retains its confidence as CEO of Ashford Holdings. If the majority votes no confidence, he resigns. If the majority votes confidence, I won’t interfere with operational leadership during my tenure as majority shareholder.”

“This is absurd,” Josephine said, standing up. “You’re turning this into a spectacle. A revenge fantasy,” she said.

“No,” I said, meeting her eyes. “This is corporate governance. The same process that exists in every well-run company. The same process Genevieve established in our bylaws forty years ago,” I said.

I paused. “If Dad has the board’s confidence, he has nothing to worry about,” I said.

Robert Hunter studied me for a long moment. Something like respect flickered in his expression.