Chapter 6 - The Boardroom AmbushThe grand oak doors of the Kurozawa corporate headquarters in Zurich loomed before me like the gates of a medieval fortress.
Inside that room sat the most powerful tech executives in Europe and Asia, alongside Julian’s closest corporate allies, all waiting to ratify a merger that would permanently absorb my personal trust fund into the Vance family portfolio.
The receptionist looked up as I approached, her expression polite but firm. "Ma'am, appointments are strictly required for the executive floor today."
I didn't break stride. I simply slid my identity badge across the polished mahogany counter.
The receptionist glanced down, and the color drained instantly from her face. She stood up so fast her chair knocked backward.
"M-Madam Chairwoman," she stammered, bowing deeply. "We... we didn't expect you to arrive separately from Mr. Vance."
"Mr. Vance is currently experiencing unexpected travel delays in Alaska," I said, my voice cutting through the lobby like a scalpel. "Open the doors."
The heavy oak doors swung inward.
Thirty pairs of eyes turned toward the entrance. Whispers erupted instantly around the massive boardroom table. Kurozawa himself sat at the head, looking bewildered.
"Where is Julian?" Kurozawa asked, standing up to greet me. "And where is Mrs. Evelyn Vance?"
"They send their deepest regrets," I said smoothly, walking down the center aisle and pulling out the primary chair at the head of the table—the seat reserved exclusively for the majority stakeholder. "It seems they got caught up in some... unexpected bureaucratic red tape."
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I sat down, crossed my legs, and laid my sleek leather folder on the table with a crisp thud.
"Now," I smiled, looking around the stunned room of corporate sharks who thought I was nothing more than an orphan trophy wife. "Let's begin the meeting. And by all means, let's discuss who is really at whose mercy."
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