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The heavy iron gates of the Hartman estate groaned open as Michael’s black Bentley glided inside, carrying not just a broken man, but a quiet, fragile secret sleeping softly in the backseat. Lily had curled up on the plush leather, her tattered pink dress soaked through, clutching her one-armed doll, Rosie, like a lifeline. / Chapter 5 / 10

Chapter 5 - The Emergency Board MeetingBy noon, the news had exploded across every major news network and social media platform in the country.

MILLIONAIRE TYCOON ARRESTED: Secret Child Abduction Scandal Rocks Hartman Mining Corp!

Inside the ultra-modern boardroom of Hartman Mining Corp, tension hung so thick it could be cut with a knife. The twelve members of the board of directors sat in dead silence as the courtroom doors swung open.

Victor Vance stood at the head of the long glass table, wearing an expression of deep, sorrowful disappointment.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Victor began, his voice dripping with false empathy. "You’ve all seen the headlines. Michael Hartman’s tragic descent following the death of his wife has finally crossed legal and moral boundaries. He is currently being held at the central precinct, and CPS has taken the child. Our stock has dropped twelve percent in three hours. If we do not act immediately, our shareholders will pull out, and the company will collapse."

"What are you proposing, Victor?" asked Sarah Jenkins, the eldest and most influential board member.

"Section Four of our corporate charter," Victor answered smoothly, projecting the legal document onto the massive smart-screen. "In the event that the CEO is deemed mentally incapacitated, legally detained, or acting in direct violation of corporate ethics to the detriment of the company, the board has the authority to vote him out of office immediately and transfer executive control to the senior vice president."

Whispers erupted around the table. The pressure was immense. Victor watched them like a hawk, knowing his lifelong ambition was finally within his grasp.

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My phone was still pressed against my ear. On the other end, Marcus—my most trusted lieutenant—was breathing heavily. The sound of muffled police radios and shouting filtered through the speaker.

My phone was still pressed against my ear. On the other end, Marcus—my m...

Detective Maria Santos tapped her fingernail against the glossy photograph spread across the metal interrogation table. The overhead fluorescent light hummed, casting a sterile, buzzing shadow over the room.

Detective Maria Santos tapped her fingernail against the glossy photogra...

Katherine did not cry when she walked into their immaculate suburban home. The silence of the empty house, which usually felt lonely on the nights Reginald claimed to be working late, now felt like a tactical advantage.

Katherine did not cry when she walked into their immaculate suburban hom...

"All in favor of stripping Michael Hartman of his title and appointing me as interim CEO, raise your hand," Victor commanded.

One by one, hands began to rise. Nine out of twelve votes. Victory was secured. Victor smiled, standing up to accept his crown. But before Sarah Jenkins could officially log the final vote, the heavy oak doors of the boardroom slammed open.

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