Chapter 5 - Taking Back the Empire
The annual Maritime & Logistics Executive Gala was the biggest event of the year for the region's elite. Brandon had spent months planning to use the event to announce his appointment as CEO of Coleman Logistics, assuming Tasha’s estate would be settled in his favor.
Instead, the gala became his execution grounds.
Sienna, out on heavy bail after being formally indicted on charges of forgery and attempted medical interference, made a desperate appearance at the ballroom, wearing a shimmering gold dress, trying to maintain the image that she was still in control. Brandon stood near the bar, pale and visibly trembling, abandoned by his corporate board allies.
At 8:00 PM, the massive double doors of the Grand Ballroom swung open.
Tasha Coleman walked in.
She was breathtaking. Dressed in a floor-length emerald green gown that accentuated her strength and elegance, she carried herself with the authority of a queen who had conquered death. Flanking her was not just her legal team, but Caleb Sterling—the high-profile, brilliant corporate prosecutor who had taken over the state's criminal case against Sienna.
The room fell deathly silent. Whispers erupted like wildfire across the tables.
Tasha walked straight to the main stage, taking the microphone from the shocked event host.
"Good evening, everyone," Tasha’s clear, resonant voice carried through the speakers. "Many of you received invitations to this gala believing you were celebrating a change in leadership at Coleman Logistics due to my... unfortunate demise."
She looked directly at Sienna and Brandon in the center of the room.
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"I am delighted to report that rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated," Tasha smiled—a tight, brilliant, cold smile. "And tonight, I am announcing the immediate termination of Brandon Coleman from all executive positions, the total revocation of his voting shares due to breach of fiduciary duty, and the complete acquisition of our rival firm, Martinez Capital, following their bankrupting legal liabilities."
The crowd erupted in claps and gasps. Sienna turned white, her glass slipping from her fingers and shattering on the floor—a mirror image of Brandon's broken glass days before.
