I hadn't heard about any wedding. Rather sudden, wasn't it? We prefer to keep our personal affairs private, Ethan said. Private? Yes, I imagine you would.
Marcus finally released Lydia's hand. Tell me, my dear, how long have you known my nephew? Long enough to know his character, Mr. Crowe. Which is really what matters in a marriage, don't you think? Something flickered in Marcus's eyes.
A recognition that Lydia wasn't going to be as easy to dismiss as he'd expected. Quite right. Character is everything. Before he could continue, a voice called from the doorway. Shall we begin?
The speaker was a silver-haired man carrying a leather folder, the territorial official who would be moderating the meeting. Everyone moved to take seats around the table. Ethan and Lydia sat on one side, Marcus and his supporters on the other, with the three main investors positioned at the end like judges at a trial. Harrison Wells was exactly as Ethan had described, conservative in dress and manner, his face revealing nothing. Margaret Chen was the only woman in the room besides Lydia, elegant in a severe black dress that somehow made her look more powerful rather than less.
Richard Blackwood was younger than the others, perhaps 40, with the restless energy of someone always looking for the next opportunity. Gentlemen, the official began. And ladies, we're here today at the request of Marcus Crowe to discuss concerns about the management of Crow Timber operations. Mr. Marcus Crowe, you called this meeting. Please state your concerns.
Marcus stood plain to the room. Thank you, Commissioner. I'll be brief. My brother built crow timber from nothing into the finest operation in the territory. When he died 3 years ago, he left everything to his son, my nephew Ethan.
At the time, I believed it was the right decision. Ethan had worked alongside his father, learned the business. But 3 years have passed, and I've watched with growing concern as inexperience and poor judgment have begun to undermine everything my brother built. That's a serious accusation, the commissioner said. Can you be more specific?
Gladly. First, my nephew has implemented changes to logging practices that have reduced efficiency and profit margins. Second, he's alienated long-standing business partners with his idealistic approach to worker relations. Third, he's made no effort to expand the operation or pursue new opportunities, content to simply maintain the status quo. And finally, Marcus paused dramatically.
He's proven himself incapable of the social and professional obligations that come with running a major business operation. I see. And what resolution are you proposing? Simple. I propose that I be appointed as a managing partner with authority over business decisions.
Ethan can maintain his ownership stake, but the actual management would be handled by someone with more experience and better judgment. The room was silent. Ethan's face remained impassive, but Lydia could feel the tension in him like a coiled spring. The commissioner looked at Ethan. " Mr. Crowe, would you like to respond to these accusations? " "
I would. " Ethan stood, and Lydia was struck by how different he seemed in this setting. Not the quiet mountain man, but someone with authority and presence. My uncle is correct that I've made changes to our logging practices. What he calls reduced efficiency, I call sustainability.
We're harvesting less timber per acre, but leaving the land viable for future harvests. In 10 years, when other operations have exhausted their resources, we'll still be productive. Can you prove that? Richard Blackwood asked. I can show you the numbers.
Ethan pulled out a ledger. Our profit margins are down 3% from my father's final year, but our costs are also down 7% due to reduced equipment damage and worker injuries. Net profit is actually up 4%. And we've extended our projected harvest timeline from 15 years to 40 years without reducing annual output. Margaret Chen leaned forward.
That's an interesting approach. Do you have contracts that support these projections? I do, including yours, Mrs. Chen. You'll notice we've delivered every contracted amount on schedule for the past 3 years, and our quality ratings have improved. Chen nodded slightly, making a note.
Marcus jumped in. Quality and quantity are meaningless if you've damaged relationships with partners. Harrison, tell them about the dispute last year. Wells shifted uncomfortably. There was a disagreement about pricing structure.
A disagreement my nephew refused to resolve reasonably, Marcus interjected. Actually, Wells said slowly, young Mr. Crow was right. The pricing structure I initially proposed would have been advantageous to me but unsustainable for the operation long-term. He suggested an alternative that was fair to both parties. I accepted after reviewing the numbers.
Marcus' jaw tightened. Nevertheless, the fact remains that my nephew has shown poor judgment in numerous ways, including, I might add, his sudden and unexplained marriage to a woman no one had ever heard of from a background we know nothing about. Lydia felt every eye in the room turn to her. This was it. The personal attack they'd anticipated.
Ethan started to speak, but Lydia put a hand on his arm, stopping him. She stood, meeting Marcus' gaze directly. Mr. Crowe, you are absolutely right that no one here knows my background, she said clearly. Allow me to enlighten you. I come from a struggling mountain settlement.
My family lost everything to medical debt. When your nephew offered marriage, I accepted because I needed to save my family, and he needed a wife who understood hardship and survival. It was a business arrangement which I believe you of all people should appreciate. Marcus blinked, clearly not expecting her to be so direct. As for whether I'm suitable, Lydia continued, "I've spent the past week learning every detail of the timber operation.
I can discuss profit margins, logging techniques, contract negotiations, and resource management as competently as anyone in this room. Not because I have formal training, but because I understand that ignorance is a luxury, and this business affects my future as much as anyone's. She paused, letting her words settle. You question my background, Mr. Crowe. I question your motives.
This meeting isn't about concern for the business. It's about resentment that your nephew succeeded where you never did. The silence that followed was absolute. Marcus' face went red. " How dare you?
Mrs. Crowe raises an interesting point, " Margaret Chen said calmly. " Mr. Marcus Crow, what exactly is your business experience beyond being related to the founder? " Marcus sputtered. " I've been involved in numerous ventures, all of which failed, " Ethan said quietly. " My father bailed you out twice, Uncle.
The second time he made it clear there wouldn't be a third. That's why he excluded you from the will. Not out of spite, but because he knew you'd destroy everything he built. That's slander. It's documentation.
Ethan produced another folder. My attorney has records of both bailouts, including the amounts and the circumstances. Would you like us to review them publicly? Marcus's confident demeanor cracked. He looked around the room, searching for support, but found only curious or skeptical faces. "