CHAPTER 6 — “ELEANOR WAS ESCORTED OUT OF HER OWN COMPANY… THEN SHE MADE ONE PHONE CALL THAT PUT THE TRIPLETS IN DANGER”
Two weeks after the failed wedding, Montgomery Holdings held the most important board meeting in its 87-year history.
Every financial network in America covered it live.
No one expected what happened inside.
Arthur Montgomery entered the boardroom with Ethan at his side.
I wasn't there as Ethan's ex-wife.
I was there because Meridian Digital had become the largest outside investor capable of saving Montgomery Holdings from bankruptcy.
The directors sat in complete silence.
At the far end of the table, Eleanor wore her signature navy suit and diamond brooch, her expression as cold as ever.
She still believed she could fight her way back.
Arthur placed one folder in front of every board member.
"The independent investigation is complete."
One by one, they opened the files.
Inside were months of forensic accounting reports.
Unauthorized company transfers.
Payments to private investigators.
Corporate funds used to manipulate family affairs.
Even hidden accounts Eleanor had used without board approval.
The directors looked at each other in disbelief.
Finally, the oldest board member stood.
"I move that Eleanor Montgomery be removed immediately as Chairwoman."
"Second."
"Third."
The votes came quickly.
Unanimous.
Not a single hand remained at Eleanor's side.
The woman who had ruled the Montgomery empire for thirty years was stripped of every executive title in less than sixty seconds.
Security entered quietly.
"Eleanor... we'll escort you out."
She laughed.
A slow, chilling laugh.
"You think this is over?"
No one answered.
As she reached the elevator, she turned toward me.
"You won today."
Her smile widened.
"But mothers eventually learn..."
"...how much they're willing to lose."
Something in her voice made my stomach tighten.
That evening, Liam, Noah, and Caleb were playing soccer in the backyard of our home when my head of security sprinted toward me.
"Ma'am!"
"What is it?"
"The boys aren't here."
I froze.
"What?"
"The security cameras went offline for exactly ninety-three seconds."
Every ounce of blood drained from my face.
"Liam!"
"Noah!"
"Caleb!"
No answer.
My heart pounded so hard I could barely breathe.
Then my phone rang.
Unknown number.
I answered immediately.
A familiar voice whispered calmly.
"I told you..."
Eleanor.
"...this family always takes back what's ours."
The line went dead.
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For the first time in years...
I was terrified.
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