For the first time, Bettina had encountered someone she couldn't pressure with confidence.
A professional who simply documented what he actually found.
The Meeting
The special meeting took place on a cold Thursday evening.
Every seat in the clubhouse was occupied.
More than eighty homeowners attended.
Bettina sat at the front.
For six years, she had controlled that room.
Tonight, she couldn't.
Philip Greer opened the meeting.
He confirmed the petition had met the requirements.
Then Cecily presented the issues.
No accusations.
No shouting.
Just documents.
The questionable fine schedule.
The missing ratification.
The property-inspection proposal.
The financial relationship with Whitmore Property Support.
The conflict-of-interest provisions.
The complaints.
Then Terrence Boyle's report.
No obvious violations.
Bettina finally stood.
“This is a personal attack.”
Darnell remained seated.
She pointed toward him.
“He moved here fourteen months ago and immediately began undermining the community.”
A homeowner raised her hand.
Philip recognized her.
“What is it?”
“I've lived here twelve years.”
She looked at Bettina.
“I've received notices too.”
Another hand rose.
Then another.
The room changed.