Chapter 170

Madison

“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 sta