Chapter 2 - The Corporate VultureWhile Michael sat beside Lily’s bed, watching the estate doctor gently examine her, across the city in a high-rise glass tower overlooking downtown Denver, another man was watching Michael’s every move.
Victor Vance, Michael’s senior vice president and longtime rival within Hartman Mining Corp, swirled a glass of expensive scotch. On his mahogany desk sat a confidential private investigator’s report, complete with grainy photographs of Michael sitting on a park bench in the rain, talking to a little girl.
"Well, well, well," Victor muttered, a cold, predatory smile spreading across his face. "Our grieving widower has finally lost his mind. He’s picking up strays off the street."
Victor had spent years waiting for Michael to slip. When Emily died, Victor thought the CEO would self-destruct and hand over the throne of the company on a silver platter. Instead, Michael plunged into a paralyzing depression, freezing Victor out of the final decision-making processes. But this? Bringing an unidentified minor into his private residence without documentation? That wasn't just depression—that was a scandal waiting to explode.
"If the board catches wind of this," Victor whispered to his empty office, "they’ll declare him mentally unfit to manage the corporation under Section 4 of the bylaws. And guess who steps in as interim CEO?"
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Victor reached for his phone. He didn’t call the police. He called a notorious tabloid reporter known for digging up dirt on Colorado's elite.
"I have a story for you," Victor said smoothly, his eyes gleaming with malice. "It involves Michael Hartman, a missing child, and a secret hiding inside that fortress of his. Make sure it hits the morning headlines."
