Chapter 5 - The Snake in the Boardroom
Thomas stood up from his bed, pushing aside the tray table despite the pain in his ribs. He stood full height, shielding his nieces behind his back.
"Julian," Thomas said, his voice dropping into an ominous register. "Why were two hired thugs trying to grab my nieces in an alley forty minutes ago?"
Julian didn't flinch. He set his briefcase on the table and crossed his arms. "Nieces? Uncle, you’re delusional. You suffered a head injury in that crash. You’re parading two homeless orphans around as Eleanor’s secret heirs!"
"The locket proves it, Julian!" Thomas snapped, holding up the gold piece. "This is Eleanor’s!"
"A locket proves nothing in a court of law!" Julian barked back, his polite mask slipping off entirely to reveal the ruthless snake underneath. "Eleanor died penniless in a county hospital two years ago! These kids have no legal standing, no birth certificates, no proof of parentage!"
"Why does that matter so much to you, Julian?" Thomas asked, stepping closer to his nephew. "Unless... you already knew about them."
Julian smirked, a chilling look in his eyes. "I know how the family trust is written, Uncle. If Eleanor’s bloodline is dead, ninety percent of Laurent Enterprises reverts to me upon your death or incapacitation. Do you really think I was going to let two gutter kids inherit a three-billion-dollar empire?"
Marie gasped, holding Sophie close.
"You..." Thomas whispered, realization dawning on him like a wave of ice water. "The closure of the textile plant... Eleanor worked with those families after she left the company. You were the one who pushed the board to ruin her community! You framed her for debt!"
"She was weak, just like you’ve become!" Julian sneered. "And speaking of the board, Uncle... while you were weeping over street kids, I called an emergency board session for 2:00 PM today. I have the majority votes. We are removing you as CEO on grounds of medical incompetence and mental instability."
Julian leaned in close to Thomas, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You can keep your little homeless heroes, old man. But by tonight, Laurent Enterprises belongs to me."
Julian picked up his briefcase, turned on his heel, and walked out of the suite, slamming the door behind him.
Silence hung heavy in the room.
Marcus stepped forward, his hand resting on his holster. "I can have my men pull him in, Boss."
"No," Thomas said, his gray eyes turning cold as forged steel. "Julian wants a corporate war. He thinks I'm a dying old man who lost his nerve."
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Thomas pulled off the IV line from his arm, tearing the tape away without flinching. He looked down at Marie and Sophie, a newfound purpose blazing in his soul.
"Marcus," Thomas ordered. "Call our personal tailors. Get my nieces the finest clothes in the city. Get my dark navy double-breasted suit. We’re going to a boardroom meeting."
