Chapter 170
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“Then we’ll buy back shares at a discount,” Alexander replied smoothly. “Our cash reserves are more than adequate, and it would be an excellent use of capital.”
This answer seemed to satisfy most of the room, and I noticed several approving nods.
“Now,” Alexander continued, “I have a series of media appearances scheduled to begin shortly. The best thing all of you can do is project confidence. Call your contacts. Reassure your networks. The worst thing for Knight Industries right now would be for our own leadership to appear panicked.”
The meeting continued for another thirty minutes, with the executive team outlining specific recovery strategies. I noticed that despite the crisis, most people in the room seemed to be backing Alexander. Even those who had initially expressed anger or concern were now nodding along with his plan.
As the meeting wrapped up, board members began filing out, many stopping to speak briefly with Alexander. I stayed close, making note of any commitments or follow–ups he made during these
conversations.
“Ms. Harper,” Alexander turned to me as the last board member left, “schedule a follow–up call with the major shareholders for this evening. I want to update them after the market closes.”
“Already on it, Mr. Knight,” I replied, adding it to my task list.
“And make sure the legal team has everything they need. I want those responsible for these allegations identified by the end of the week.”
“Yes, sir.”
He checked his watch. “We have twenty minutes before the CNBC interview. Let’s review the talking
points.”
As we walked toward his office, I couldn’t help but admire how he’d handled the meeting. Despite the pressure and the hostile questions from his step–siblings, he’d remained composed and confident.
“You did well in there,” I said quietly as we entered his office.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “Did you expect anything less?”
“No,” I admitted with a small smile. “But it can’t have been easy with Georgia and Henry trying to undermine you.”
“The Knights‘ family dynamics aren’t your concern, Ms. Harper,” he replied, though his tone wasn’t
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unkind. “Now, those talking points?”
I pulled up the document on my tablet. “The PR team suggests emphasizing three key messages: the allegations are completely false, our financial position is stronger than ever, and we welcome any regulatory scrutiny because we have nothing to hide.”
Alexander nodded, loosening his tie slightly. “Add a fourth point about our legal action against the publications that ran these stories without proper verification.”
“Got it.” I made the addition quickly. “They also suggest avoiding any speculation about who might be behind the allegations until we have concrete evidence.”
“Fair enough. Though I have my suspicions.”
“Care to share them?” I asked, looking up from my tablet.
His eyes met mine, a hint of amusement flickering across his face. “Curious, Ms. Harper?”
“Professional interest,” I replied primly. “It helps me do my job better if I understand the full picture.
“Of course.” His lips quirked into a brief smile. “There are several possibilities, but my money’s on Equator Capital. They’ve been trying to acquire our capital finance division for months, and we’ve repeatedly rebuffed their offers.”
“So, tank the stock price and try for a hostile takeover?”
“Exactly.” He checked his watch again. “We should head to the media room. The market opens in fifteen minutes, and I want to be ready to respond immediately to the opening numbers.”
As we walked through the executive floor, I noticed the atmosphere had changed. The panic from earlier had been replaced with purposeful energy. Staff members moved with determination rather
than fear.
The media room was already set up for the interview, with lights and cameras positioned around a small seating area. The PR director, tablet in hand, was waiting for us.
“Mr. Knight, we’ve just received word that the pre–market trading is showing some recovery. We’re now projected to open down 19% instead of the 27% that was predicted last night.”
Alexander nodded. “Good. That’s a start.”
“Your statement is already having an impact,” she continued. “Several major analysts have issued‘ buy‘ recommendations this morning, calling our stock ‘undervalued‘ following the drop.”
“See?” Alexander turned to me with a slight smirk. “Crisis management 101: Act quickly, speak confidently, and the market will follow.”
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“Don’t get cocky, Mr. Knight,” I warned him quietly. “We’re still down 19%.”
His eyes widened slightly at my boldness, and then he laughed. “Keeping me humble, Ms. Harper?”
“Someone has to, Mr. Knight.”
The PR director cleared her throat. “We’re live in five minutes. The host wants to open with a direct question about the fraud allegations.”
“Perfect,” Alexander replied, straightening his tie. “I want to address them head–on.”
As the technicians made final adjustments to the lighting, I handed Alexander a bottle of water and a few note cards with key statistics.
I stepped back, moving out of the camera’s frame but staying where Alexander could see me if he needed anything.
As the red light on the camera illuminated, I watched him transform – his posture straightened, his expression became focused yet approachable, and his voice took on the authoritative tone that had convinced countless investors to trust him with their money.
“Good morning, Mr. Knight,” the host began. “Thank you for joining us during what must be a challenging time for Knight Industries. Let’s get right to it: How do you respond to the serious allegations of financial fraud that have caused your company’s stock to plummet?”
Alexander looked directly into the camera, his expression open and unwavering. “Thank you for having me. Let me be absolutely clear: These allegations are completely false. Knight Industries has always operated with the highest standards of financial integrity, and we have the documentation to prove it. These fabricated claims appear to be a coordinated attempt to manipulate our stock price, and we’re working with regulatory authorities to identify those responsible.”
As he continued the interview, confidently addressing each question with clear, concise answers, L couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration.
Whatever else Alexander Knight might be demanding boss, dominant in bed, occasionally insufferable egotist at this moment, he was exactly what Knight Industries needed: a leader who refused to be shaken.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.
