Chapter 4 - The Boardroom Strike
The glass-walled boardroom on the top floor of Vale Global Headquarters overlooked the skyline of the metropolis. Sitting around the mahogany table were twelve of the most influential corporate titans in the western hemisphere. At the head of the table sat Evelyn Vale, dressed in a immaculate white suit, her expression cool, calculated, and devoid of warmth.
Beatrice sat to her right, a silk scarf subtly concealing the bruise on her face.
“We are here to vote on Resolution 409,” Evelyn announced, her voice echoing through the speaker system. “Due to yesterday’s tragic and violent outburst by Ethan Vale, it is clear he is mentally incapable of managing his responsibilities. Furthermore, for the child’s own safety, temporary guardianship of Leo Vale will be transferred to the family estate.”
“I object,” a voice rang out.
The heavy double doors of the boardroom swung open. Ethan walked in, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, flanked by Arthur Vance. He carried no weapons, no security team—just an aura of absolute dominance that caused three board members to instinctively sit up straighter.
“Ethan,” Evelyn said, her voice dripping with artificial sympathy. “This is a private board meeting. You have no standing here.”
“I have all the standing in the world, Evelyn,” Ethan replied, tossing a heavy leather-bound file onto the center of the table. “Read page four, gentlemen.”
One of the senior board members opened the file, his eyes widening as he read the certified documents. “This... this is an authentic irrevocable trust execution. Signed by the founder.”
“That document is a fraud!” Beatrice spat, leaning forward. “Ethan forged it!”
“The signatures were verified by three independent forensic handwriting experts and registered with the High Chancery this morning at 6:00 AM,” Vance interjected calmly. “As of three hours ago, Leo Ethan Vale holds fifty-one percent of voting stock. And as his court-appointed sole Trustee, Ethan Vale holds absolute power over this board.”
Evelyn’s composure finally cracked. Her knuckles turned white as she slammed her hands on the table. “You think a piece of paper gives you power over me, Ethan? I built this company while your father was dying! I control the directors! I control the security force!”
“You controlled them,” Ethan corrected her, walking over until he stood directly over her seat. “As Trustee, my first official act is the immediate termination of Beatrice Vale from all executive positions, stripped of all stock options and barred from all company property.”
Beatrice gasped, looking to Evelyn. “Evelyn! Do something!”
“My second act,” Ethan continued, ignoring Beatrice’s panic, “is a full forensic audit of Evelyn Vale’s personal offshore accounts. Starting now.”
Evelyn glared at Ethan with pure venom. “You’ve declared war, Ethan.”
“No, Evelyn,” Ethan whispered, leaning down so only she could hear him. “War implies you have a chance of winning.”
Ethan turned and walked out of the boardroom. But as he stepped into the private executive corridor toward the garage elevator, the lights in the hallway suddenly flickered and died.
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The sharp clack of tactical boots echoed from the fire stairs.
Evelyn hadn’t counted on winning the legal battle. She had prepared a contingency.
