“The motion carries seven to four, with one abstention,” he said.

He turned to Harold. “Mr. Ashford, the board has voted no confidence. Per our bylaws, you have thirty days to tender your resignation,” he said.

Harold said nothing. He stood and looked at me. He really looked at me.

For what might have been the first time in my life, I expected rage, hatred, threats. What I saw was worse. Recognition.

He understood that he’d underestimated me so completely that he’d lost everything. He walked out without a word.

After the boardroom cleared, Harold caught me in the private corridor outside. Joanna was with him. Someone must have called her during the recess.