Chapter Thirteen

Bev stood as the board members filed into the conference room. She tamped down her fear and observed the group of privileged, paunchy men. Not a female on the board. Unfortunately, that was all too common, not just at her grandfather’s company. Her company. It was hers now. She could make changes, and she would. But first she had to get through this meeting.

One of the board members approached her, and she recognized him as John Hamilton, Serena’s husband and Reginald’s son-in-law. She hadn’t paid a lot of attention to John during the will reading, as Serena had filled the room with her anger.

He wore his navy suit as if he was born in it. He had kind, blue eyes and a full head of blond hair. She wasn’t sure if his tan was real or not, but she imagined he spent hours on a sailboat or maybe the golf course. He appeared much younger than his supposed fifty-five years. He reached for her hand as he spoke. “Ms. Winslow, it is a pleasure to see you again.”

Surprised by his warm manner, she extended her hand. “Hello.”

“I understand you’ll be making an announcement. Serena and I were in the car when we saw the news report of you entering the building.”

She pulled her hand back. “Serena’s here?”

“Actually, she’s in our apartment a few blocks over. Naturally when Finn called the board meeting, we put it all together.” He gave her an avuncular smile.

“If, indeed, congratulations are in order, and you are taking over, my only interest is what’s best for the shareholders. Serena understands the importance of a smooth transition for the sake of the company. Of course, she is upset by what she considers Reginald’s betrayal, but she’ll do what’s necessary.”

Not used to holding in her thoughts, she blurted out the first thing that popped in her mind. “That doesn’t sound like Serena.”

John laughed. “My wife is passionate about family. Sometimes her reactions get the better of her. I’m here to assure you, we will do what’s best for the Winslow name.” He patted her shoulder awkwardly. “I’m here to help.” With that pronouncement, he took his place at the conference table.

She leaned toward Finn. “That was weird and completely unexpected.”

“Not really. John Hamilton is a survivor. Most likely, in his mind, the twenty million Reginald left Serena is a bitter pill, but his position on this board guarantees him quite a few perks and a huge income for as long as he remains a member. It only makes sense he tries to befriend you. I imagine it took quite a bit of convincing to get Serena to back down. I didn’t think he had it in him.” His eyes darkened. “This only confirms in my mind Serena is to blame for the office explosion. She has no qualms going behind John’s back. Now, to prove it.”

“No, now we start a board meeting.” Instead of waiting for a reply, she approached the conference table and stared down twelve men whose collective expression could only be described as terrified. She almost laughed at how transparent they were. Worrying whether she would lose them their fortunes. She slowed her breathing, forced a calm she didn’t feel. The nerves didn’t settle, but she knew she could do this. There wasn’t a choice.

“Gentlemen, my name is Beverly Winslow and I am your new president and CEO. I understand you will all want answers. There are none, except to say this was what Reginald wanted. We will have to be content with that for now.”

She felt the tension in the room rise with her words. Her palms dampened. “Ms. Garrett will provide you with individual reports outlining my background, a release from my physician confirming excellent health—as required by this board—and a personal appointment time for each of you to meet with me individually. It is my wish we all work together for the continued success of Winslow Holdings. The stock price is going to take a hit when this becomes public knowledge. It is imperative this board do everything in its power to lessen the effects for the shareholders and employees. With that in mind, there is a press conference scheduled today at one o’clock. I don’t feel it would be prudent to wait any longer to make the announcement when there is rampant speculation. It makes people twitchy.”

As this was met with a few smiles but mostly a stony reception, she swallowed hard. “My plans do not include making any immediate changes.”

Ms. Garrett finished passing out the folders and stood against the window waiting. Bev said, “I'd ask if you, Ms. Garrett, would stay on as my assistant?”

She received the woman’s nod and knew she wouldn’t get much more from her. “Are there any questions?”

Several board members stared at one another in the awkward silence. Finally, John Hamilton stood. “I’d like to welcome you to Winslow Holdings, Ms. Winslow. I believe I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to the challenges and successes ahead with you at the helm.” John began applauding, shaming his fellow board members into standing and doing the same. Finn, Ms. Garrett, and Julie, Finn’s assistant, joined in as well.

As the applause died down, John opened his arms. “Can I offer a suggestion to help with the transition? Perhaps if the entire board were present during the press conference, it might show an unspoken vote of confidence from us. How do you feel about that, Ms. Winslow?”

Suddenly very grateful, she said, “Call me Bev.”