Chapter 50: The End

Isaac stood at the head of the conference room table, hands splayed out on its surface. He stared at the assembled board of trustees. Cyril sat at his right hand, the bruising around his eyes fading. To Isaac's left was Sonia. Her hair was pulled up into a smooth bun. At the opposite head of the table was Lavinia. She sat upright, stacks of papers carefully arranged in front of her.

"In the months since my mother's… shall we say, untimely passing," he said. "I have been disappointed in this board's performance. Its care and dedication to this company has waned."

Several of the trustees sank back into their seats, not looking at Isaac. Sonia sat forward, trying to initiate eye contact with Cyril, who kept his gaze fixed on his own hands.

"It feels as though your loyalty was to Vivian Astor, not to Astor Industries. And in light of that, I question whether your services are still needed."

"Sir," an older man spoke up. "I think there is just some discomfort about the ch