He Declared Me Dead on Tuesday, So I Walked Into Court on Friday novel · Chapter 16 of 24

Chapter 16: The Founder Title They Would Not Give Back

On Friday morning, Petra leads me through the security gate and points toward the department heads gathered beside the operations dashboard.

The guard checks my badge, then looks at Petra.

Petra says, "It works because Dr. Mercer still owns the access rights. I know. It is a shocking development."

The guard steps aside.

I walk in.

The operations floor is running on screens, headsets, sample reports, and coffee that has been reheated past saving.

The company is functioning.

That matters more than the welcome waiting near the dashboard.

The board chair's representative waits by the dashboard with a thin document packet against her chest.

She inclines her head.

"Dr. Mercer, the board wants to restore your founder title immediately."

I look at the packet.

The top page says FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY RESTORATION.

The second line is smaller.

I read it before I answer.

"What authority does the title carry?"

"Your title would be restored while the probate dispute remains unresolved," she says.

"Operational authority would be delegated to an independent administrator during that period."

"And voting authority?"

"It would remain suspended pending the court's determination."

Adrian's filing has acquired a softer font.

Petra takes a jasmine tea from the counter and removes the lid.

She does not drink it.

The representative continues.

"This protects the company from instability. Your name returns to the founder line. Operations remain neutral."

"Neutral between whom?"

"Between the competing claims before the court."

I turn toward the department heads.

There are six of them.

Clinical operations, quality, engineering, regulatory, finance, and the laboratory network.

None of them looks at the packet for long.

The head of quality steps forward.

"Dr. Mercer, the validation review is waiting for your direction."

The representative's mouth tightens.

"That review can wait until an administrator is appointed."

"It cannot," I say.

"The new reagent lot is already in circulation. If the blank run fails, every result released against that lot requires review."

The quality director nods.

"We held the release."

"Good. Keep it held. Send me the control data and the lot number."

She reaches for her tablet.

"Now?"

"Now."

The representative steps between the dashboard and the group.

"Dr. Mercer, you are not being asked to resume management today."

"I just did."

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