Chapter 7 - The Hostile TakeoverThe boardroom erupted into chaos.
"Federal indictment?" Arthur Sterling shouted, rising halfway out of his chair. "Are you out of your mind, Victoria? This will destroy the museum's reputation in the press!"
"No, Mr. Sterling," Edward said, his voice cutting through the noise like a razor blade. He stood up, towering over the table with absolute, unyielding authority. "Covering it up will destroy the museum. Exposing it and rebuilding from the ground up under Miss Ellis’s leadership will save it."
Victoria Vance cast a sharp, calculating glance toward Edward, then at Mara. There was something dark and knowing in her eyes—a secret alliance that Mara didn't yet understand.
"My father and his cronies have been siphoning prestige and funds from this trust for a decade," Victoria announced smoothly, leaning against the edge of the table. "I’m stepping in as the new external legal auditor. And Miss Ellis... you’re going to need a bigger team for the autumn gala."
Mara looked from Victoria to Edward, her instincts screaming that a dangerous game of corporate chess was being played, and she was the central piece on the board.
"Mr. Hale," Mara said firmly, waiting until the room quieted down. "Before any restructuring is finalized, I want absolute operational independence. If Victoria’s firm is auditing, they audit the entire board—including donor funds."
Senator Vance turned white. "You insolent little—"
"Agreed," Edward interrupted instantly, his eyes locked onto Mara with a fierce, burning respect. "Absolute independence. Total transparency. Starting right now."
That evening, as the dust settled and the board members fled the building in disarray, Mara stood alone in Edward’s private office on the fourth floor, watching the city lights flicker on across Chicago.
The door clicked open, and Edward walked in, loosening his tie as he approached her.
"You terrified half the old men in that room today," Edward said quietly, stopping just inches away from her.
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"I just told the truth," Mara replied, her breath hitching slightly at how close he was standing.
"Truth is a dangerous weapon in this city, Mara," Edward murmured, his gaze dropping briefly to her lips before rising back to her eyes. "And you wield it beautifully."
