Chapter 4 - The Shadow in the BoardroomWhile Gabriel knelt on the floor of the orphanage, thousands of dollars away in a sleek glass-walled office in New York City, a man watched a live news feed on a massive 85-inch monitor.
The screen showed grainy footage of Gabriel walking into Sunshine House, surrounded by reporters.
"Well, well, well," a smooth, chilling voice drawled.
Julian Vance—not the Boston board member, but his cousin and silent business partner, Victor Vance—slowly swirled a glass of bourbon. Standing beside him was a woman in a sharp pantsuit: Regina.
Regina adjusted her glasses, her face tight with anxiety. "The press is already running wild with the narrative, Victor. If Gabriel adopts this kid, his personal life will be ripped apart. The SEC investigation into the labor scandal will focus entirely on his character. The board will vote to oust him by the end of the week."
"Let them," Victor smiled, his eyes cold and predatory. "For ten years, Gabriel Mendes has played God with this corporation. He pushed my father out of the board, he ruined our family's stake in the shipping sector, and he treated everyone around him like pawns on a chessboard."
"If he falls, what happens to our takeover bid?" Regina asked nervously.
"It accelerates," Victor said, setting his glass down with a sharp clank. "With Gabriel distracted by a dead ex-girlfriend and an orphaned brat, he won't see the hostile takeover coming. We'll strip Mendes Corp of its assets, leave him financially ruined, and watch the mighty billionaire crawl back into the gutter he came from."
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Victor leaned closer to the screen, watching Clara's face light up as Gabriel handed her a small gift.
"Enjoy your family reunion, Gabriel," Victor whispered into the empty room. "It's going to be the shortest one in history."
