Chapter 12 - The Inner Circle BreaksInside the high-security visitors' lounge of the federal penitentiary, Victoria Sterling sat across from her former chief corporate counsel. The designer clothes, the million-dollar necklaces, and the untouchable aura of privilege were completely gone, replaced by a coarse orange jumpsuit and a face ravaged by sleeplessness and bitter rage.
"You told me the legal firewall was impenetrable," Victoria hissed, leaning forward until her nose pressed against the thick Plexiglas divider. "You assured me that even if the waitress made a scene at the gala, our offshore trusts would bury the investigation before it ever hit a grand jury."
The attorney nervously adjusted his collar, sweating under the harsh fluorescent lights. "Matrix Holdings and the board of directors have already cut ties, Victoria. They're voting to strip the Sterling name from every foundation, trust, and asset effective immediately. They're throwing you and your brother completely under the bus to save themselves."
Victoria’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "They can't do that! I built this empire! I secured the funding!"
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"You became a liability the moment that birthmark went live on the internet," the lawyer replied coldly, gathering his briefcase and standing up. "My representation ends today, Mrs. Sterling. Good luck with your appeal."
As the heavy metal door slammed shut behind her, Victoria slumped back into her chair, realizing too late that the ruthless, cutthroat world she and her family had created had finally turned its teeth on its own creators.
