“How?”
Van just smiled.
“Skylar isn’t a shareholder,” I said aloud to the room.
Logan appeared as confused as I as he stared at his nephew.
Skylar stood, his dark blond hair combed back and his custom suit in place. “I have recently acquired one percentage of Wade holdings.”
I was speechless as Lena nodded.
Skylar retook his seat.
“At this current time,” Lena said, “Mrs. Rose has volunteered to resume her position as secretary. Full disclosure” — Lena smiled at Mrs. Rose— “the position of secretary will come up for a vote again before the term expires. Mrs. Rose’s generous offer is to help Wade through this transition. I for one appreciate Mrs. Rose’s dedication to this company’s future.”
Van stepped forward. “As you know, the requirement to sit on the executive board is the ownership of Wade stock.” He too grinned at Mrs. Rose, who was obviously enjoying the attention. “Mrs. Rose also holds one percent.”
Lena spoke, “My final recommendation is Donovan Sherman for treasurer. Last chance to volunteer before nominations are closed.”
Again, I turned toward Logan. He remained quiet.
“It appears,” Lena said, “we can all agree on Mr. Skylar Butler for vice chair, Mrs. Rose for secretary, and Mr. Sherman for treasurer of the Wade Pharmaceutical executive board. If there is a nay, speak now.”
“Nay.”
We all turned to Logan Butler.
Shaking his head, Logan sat forward. Not as old as Marlin, Logan still showed his age through the wrinkling of his skin and lightening of his hair. “I simply want to go on record as being against this coup.”
Lena’s chocolate eyes shimmered. “Coup.”
“Yes.” Logan gestured to my parents. “This is Gregg and Ana’s company. They still have thirty-nine percent of the stockholdings. Beyond that fact, they have the experience to run this company. It’s in their blood.”
Lena nodded—once. “Your objection is noted.” She turned to me. “Mrs. Sherman, as my nominee for chair, I will second Mr. Butler’s statement. The care of Wade Pharmaceutical should go to someone with the devotion to this company in their blood. If the McGraths’ share that cellular attachment, I can only assume that it runs through you twofold.”
Damn, she was good.
I smiled. “I believe it does.”
Van went to the door and opened it and spoke to someone.
Janie entered with pieces of paper and pens. The room murmured as she passed one of each to every person, including Van and myself.
“Thank you, Janie,” Van said before she slipped from the room.
Lena spoke, “Every person who received a paper is eligible to cast one vote. Whether you hold one percentage share or forty, you get one vote. The position in question is chairperson. The candidates are Mrs. Anastasia McGrath and Mrs. Julia Sherman. Please cast your vote and once you’re done, fold your paper in half.”
I tried to steady the pen.
Questions and doubt rose within me.
Am I the right one?
Can I do this?
Biting on my lower lip, I made the decision.
I could.