Tomar’s face continued to display what appeared to be respect, but inside he was almost giddy with excitement. He was watching this pompous, arrogant buffoon swell himself up even further than expected. Tomar practically wanted to dance but remained deferent to the older board member as he continued to pontificate.
“As we all know,” proclaimed Greylorent, “our Chairman has adeptly positioned himself to run this fine Corporation, with the support of its board. WE, the board, have the final say on the overall strategy and direction of the Corporation. Our collective decision-making power is what controls this company. The Chairman simply sits in the seat at the head of the table and recommends directions that we might consider.”
The tension level in the room suddenly rose as Greylorent finished his statement. He had made it clear that he believed himself powerful enough to oppose Tomar and that he believed Tomar’s control of the Corporation was not as strong as Tomar assumed. He lowered his arms, leaning over and placing his hands on the table. He gazed about the room and in a slow, deep, commanding voice stated, “These are the facts.”
Tomar remained very calm and nearly motionless, as the eyes in the room moved from intently watching Greylorent to apprehensively staring at Tomar. He met each person’s gaze, moving from board member to board member, but skipping Greylorent. The tension soared in the room, as all members had expected a clash between the two men, but no one expected it to escalate so quickly.
“I may be young, but I am not as foolish as you,” Tomar stated as if it were an apparent fact. He tapped a few more buttons on his podium, trying not to snicker, for he knew that this was going so much better than he ever could have imagined. Over the next few minutes, Tomar brought up images of other companies, products, contracts, and people. He painted a picture of vastly overpriced, no-bid contracts going to companies that Greylorent secretly owned, of money and bribes flowing into the pockets of relatives of Greylorent, and other abuses of the man’s position on the board. His presentation was well researched and rehearsed. A few board members were visibly trying not to squirm in their seats.
During the rapid-fire presentation, Greylorent’s face vacillated between a crimson outrage and a white shade of fear. Of course, he had done all these things, as had many of the members of the board, who had not been replaced. While it may have been ethically questionable to some, it certainly wasn’t completely illegal.
As Tomar finished, Greylorent, very calmly, glared at the young Chairman. “Well, you have certainly done your homework, young man,” Greylorent drew out the word “young” to emphasize the immaturity of youth. “You are beginning to understand the more complex workings of the corporate world. I am glad that you are learning, and it is certain that my example will help you as you attempt to become a leader. Although, you are starting at a shallow point.”
Tomar could contain himself no longer, and, as a grin spread across his face, he let out a small chuckle. He made a gesture, and a door materialized across the table from Greylorent.
