Chapter 4 - The Boardroom ConfrontationEthan forced a polished, practiced smile to his face, stepping forward with the easy charm that had won over boardrooms for a decade.
“Arthur, come on. Let’s not be dramatic,” Ethan chuckled, holding up his hands. “Whatever IT glitch triggered this morning, we can sort it out in my office. I have a meeting with the Meridian group in twenty minutes—"
“The Meridian group contracts have been terminated,” Margaret interrupted, her voice like ice breaking over stones. She stepped past Arthur and held out a single sheet of paper. “Along with your corporate credit lines, your stock options, and your employment contract.”
Ethan’s smile faltered. He looked at Margaret, then at Arthur, who was staring at him with undisguised contempt.
“You can’t do that,” Ethan snapped, a flash of panic breaking through his composure. “I am the CEO of this company! I built the modern infrastructure that keeps Crestmont profitable! Who authorized this?”
“The majority shareholder,” Arthur replied heavily.
Ethan let out a sharp, incredulous laugh. “The majority shareholder is a family trust that hasn't voted on an operational decision in twenty years! Evelyn doesn't even know what room the board table is in!”
At that exact moment, the private elevator at the end of the hallway chimed.
The polished steel doors slid open.
May you like
Evelyn Sterling stepped out.
She wore her navy wool dress, low black heels, and her mother’s thin gold watch. Her silver-threaded hair was pinned neatly, and she carried a single leather portfolio under her arm. She didn't look like a ghost. She looked like an executioner.
