The board met on Thursday morning.Lucas had not slept badly. He had slept the way he always slept before significant things now — with the specific quality of someone who had done the preparation and was simply waiting for the moment to arrive.He was at the offices by eight-thirty. The board session started at ten. He used the ninety minutes to review the formal rejection documentation Claire had prepared and to read the charter clause once more.Clause 7. Generational Value and Stewardship. Henri’s language, written in 1987, is still precise after thirty-seven years.The Group’s primary obligation is to the long-term integrity and development of its assets. Decisions regarding the disposal of assets shall be evaluated against the criterion of generational value rather than immediate market return.Simple. Functional. Sharp.He set the charter aside and went to meet the board.Garnier spoke first after Lucas presented the offer and the rejection rationale.He had prepared thoroughly