Chapter 4 - The Public MeltdownThe truth hit the Peterson household like a megaton bomb. Within hours, news of the internal struggle began to leak. But it wasn't Alex who leaked it—it was Peterson Tech’s board of directors, led by Arthur Vance.
Fearing that Alex’s emotional spiral would damage the company’s valuation ahead of a major global merger, Arthur launched a preemptive strike. By Tuesday morning, headlines across Australia’s major financial tabloids exploded:
PETERSON TECH CEO FACES BOARD REMOVAL AMID UNSTABLE BEHAVIOR AND UNVERIFIED CLAIMS
The media framed Alex as a billionaire losing his sanity, accusing him of suffering a nervous breakdown and trying to bring homeless children into an established family to sabotage his own company.
Alex arrived at the office only to find his security badge revoked. Two heavy security guards blocked the lobby elevators.
"Orders from Mr. Vance, sir," the lead guard said respectfully but firmly. "You've been placed on administrative leave by executive vote."
"This is my company!" Alex barked.
"Not anymore, Alex," Arthur Vance’s voice echoed across the lobby. He walked out from the executive lounge, flanked by three corporate attorneys. "You've allowed personal grief and delusion to compromise your fiduciary duty. The board has voted to strip your executive powers until a full psychiatric evaluation is completed."
Alex realized the depth of the trap. Bridget and Arthur had orchestrated a complete takeover. By branding him mentally unstable, they could legally lock him out of his own fortune and prevent him from legally recognizing Liam and Ethan as his heirs.
Standing in the glass lobby surrounded by reporters and flashing cameras, Alex felt the world shrinking around him. But as he looked out at the crowds gathered outside the building, he saw Mrs. Thompson’s old red hatchback parked across the street.
Inside were Liam and Ethan, looking out the window with wide, frightened eyes.
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Alex turned back to Arthur, his eyes burning with a fierce, dangerous resolve.
"You think this company is my life, Arthur?" Alex said softly, pulling off his executive gold watch and tossing it at Arthur’s feet. "Keep the shares. Keep the glass tower. I'm taking my sons back."
