Chapter 7 - The Dissolution
The applause swelled to a thunderous crescendo as I reached the floor of the grand ballroom and stepped up to the acrylic podium. The microphones picked up every breath, every rustle of my designer gown.
I looked out over a sea of thousands of faces—men and women who controlled the financial destiny of nations. Among them, huddled near the back of the VIP gallery, I could see Claudia and Weston, watching through the glass doors like disgraced ghosts peering into paradise.
“Good evening,” I began, my voice echoing crystal-clear across the massive hall.
The room instantly fell into a breathless hush.
“Tonight, we celebrate heritage, longevity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence,” I said, my gaze sweeping across the audience. “In the world of finance, we often talk about assets, liabilities, and ROI. But true capital isn't found in bank accounts or steel logistics corridors. True capital is discernment. It is knowing the difference between a builder and a parasite.”
I paused, letting the weight of my words settle over the crowd.
“For the past eight years, I have observed the inner workings of our city’s corporate ecosystem from a unique vantage point. I have seen companies rise on the strength of innovation, and I have seen hollow men try to wear crowns forged by others.”
Up in the VIP gallery, Weston was banging frantically on the glass doors, screaming something the soundproof acoustic glass blocked out completely. Arthur Sterling watched him with a look of profound pity and immediate business repulsion, sliding his chair away from Weston as if contagion were airborne.
“To maintain market integrity,” I continued, my voice steady and unyielding, “Veritas Capital conducts rigorous internal audits of all primary subsidiaries and majority-stake holdings. Effective as of midnight tonight, Veritas is exercising its contractual clause 14-B regarding corporate malfeasance, gross negligence, and executive insolvency.”
A collective intake of breath swept through the financial analysts in the front rows. Clause 14-B was the nuclear option.
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“Prescott Industries,” I announced clearly, “is hereby placed under immediate receivership. All executive voting rights held by Chief Executive Officer Weston Prescott are permanently revoked. His assets, stock options, and corporate holdings are frozen pending a federal forensic audit into misappropriation of venture funds.”
The cameras flashed blindingly. Financial news terminals across Wall Street and international markets lit up instantly as automated trading algorithms digested the breaking news.
