Chapter 15 - The Trap is Set
With the recorded confession in Arthur's hands, we didn't run straight to the police. If we moved too early, Marcus Sterling and Serena would claim my mother was an unhinged, unreliable witness and tie my assets up in appellate court for years while my company starved of capital.
We needed them to commit the final overt act of extortion.
"We play along," I told Arthur. "Tell Vanguard Holdings that I am willing to negotiate a settlement. Invite Marcus Sterling and Serena to my corporate headquarters for a private board meeting to discuss the equity transfer."
Two days later, Marcus Sterling and Serena walked into my executive conference room. Serena was dressed in a pristine white designer suit, carrying a crocodile-skin handbag—looking every bit the triumphant conqueror.
"Clara," Serena said, offering a patronizing smile as she sat across from me. "It’s been a while. You’re looking... tired."
"Let's skip the pleasantries, Serena," I said, leaning back in my leather chair. "You froze my operating accounts. My international projects are stalled. What do you want?"
Marcus Sterling slid a leather-bound folder across the table. "It's simple, Ms. Vance. Pay the $2.5 million principal plus $1.8 million in accrued interest and penalty fees by 5:00 PM today, or sign these equity transfer documents handing over 51% controlling interest in Vance Luxury Designs."
"That’s over four million dollars," I said, letting my voice shake slightly to project vulnerability. "You know I can't liquidate that much cash in four hours without collapsing my working capital."
Serena smirked, crossing her legs. "Then sign the equity transfer, Clara. I’ll take over as Chief Operating Officer. You can stay on as the creative head. You’ll still do what you do best—decorating houses for rich people—while Marcus and I handle the real money."
"And what about Julian?" I asked, watching her face closely. "Your husband is sitting in a county jail cell right now."
Serena’s smile vanished, replaced by an ice-cold glare. "Julian was a weak, useless idiot who couldn't execute a simple plan without crying to his mother. I'm divorcing him. He’s right where he belongs."
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Little did Serena know, the high-definition security camera hidden in the ceiling fire alarm was streaming every second of this conversation live—not just to my legal team, but to a visitor sitting in a conference room at the Monterey County Jail.
Julian was watching.
