Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO FACED THE CAMERAS
The recall announcement happened on a rainy Thursday.
I stood before reporters in a conference room with Naomi and the company's independent safety consultant beside me.
My hands trembled.
But I knew the facts.
The company had identified a limited group of products manufactured outside its approved specifications.
We were contacting affected customers.
Arranging inspections.
Providing replacements or refunds where appropriate.
And cooperating with the relevant authorities.
A reporter raised his hand.
“Mrs. Vale, did your husband approve the subcontractor?”
I took a breath.
“An internal investigation is examining the relevant approvals.”
Another reporter asked:
“Are you trying to protect him?”
I looked directly into the camera.
“No.”
Silence.
I continued.
“My responsibility is to the people who trusted our company enough to bring our products into their homes and businesses.”
My voice steadied.
“That responsibility comes before my marriage.”
The room grew quiet.
Then I said something I hadn't planned.
“A beautiful chair should never be dangerous.”
My throat tightened.
“And a successful company should never be built on the assumption that nobody will notice what happens behind the scenes.”
The next morning, that sentence appeared in newspapers across the country.
For the first time, the world knew my name.
Not as Hudson Vale's wife.
But as Serena Vale.
Designer.
May you like
Founder.
And the woman trying to repair what her husband had broken.
