Chapter 7 - The Trial of Priorities
Three days later, Ethan walked into the corporate boardroom of Cole Meridian Systems.
The atmosphere was hostile. Board members sat around the mahogany table, flanked by high-powered corporate attorneys. Richard Sterling stood at the head of the table with a cold smile.
"Ethan," Richard announced. "You abandoned a three-billion-dollar merger without explanation. The board has assembled to vote on your formal termination as Chief Executive Officer."
Ethan walked to the front screen, plugged in his flash drive, and projected Claire Brooks' file and the flawed code parameters across the giant display.
"This is why I wasn't at the meeting," Ethan said, his voice ringing with authority. "Our software denied coverage to thousands of vulnerable people due to an automated profit-maximizing code. It led to severe suffering, including the death of a mother who left two young children behind."
The room fell silent. Several board members looked uncomfortable as Ethan displayed the internal logs detailing the glitch.
"I built this company," Ethan continued, scanning the faces of his colleagues. "And I let it lose its humanity because I was using work to run away from my own grief. I will not run anymore. Today, I am executing a complete overhaul of our software protocols to prioritize human oversight and patient care over profit margins."
Richard slammed his fist on the table. "You'll destroy our stock value!"
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"If saving human lives destroys our stock value, then this company deserves to fall," Ethan replied firmly. "Vote however you wish. But if you vote me out, I will take this data public, launch a competitor, and spend every penny of my fortune ensuring healthcare systems put people first."
One by one, the board members lowered their voting papers. Richard Sterling’s jaw dropped as he realized he had lost total control. The board voted overwhelmingly to keep Ethan as CEO and approve his complete reform plan.
