Chapter 5 - The Chairman’s VerdictInside the private VIP lounge of the Whitaker Global corporate tower, the atmosphere was thick with the scent of aged bourbon and old leather.
Richard sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his fingers steepled together as he stared at the panoramic view of the city skyline glittering beneath him. On the leather sofa across the room, Ethan was fast asleep, wrapped in a cashmere blanket, his fever broken under the care of a private pediatrician.
The heavy door clicked open, and Arthur Vance stepped inside, holding a thick red dossier.
"The arrests have been processed, sir," Vance reported, standing at rigid attention. "Bail was denied across the board. The District Attorney has classified the case as aggravated child abuse with malicious intent. Given the public exposure and the weight of our legal team, neither Mark nor Claudia will see daylight outside a cell for at least fifteen to twenty years."
Richard didn't turn around. "And the corporate dissolution?"
"Complete. Mark’s stock options have been revoked under the moral turpitude clause. His personal assets—including his luxury cars, his offshore accounts in the Caymans, and his secondary properties—have been seized by Whitaker Holdings to cover legal fees and establish a permanent trust fund in master Ethan’s name."
"Good," Richard said coldly. "Ensure that Claudia’s family name is systematically scrubbed from every board, charity, and social registry she ever paid her way into. Let her experience what it means to be truly nobody."
Vance hesitated for a moment, shifting his weight. "Sir... there is one more thing. Mark has requested a brief audience with you before he is transferred to the state penitentiary. He claims he has information regarding... your late wife’s estate."
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Richard’s eyes narrowed slightly. He turned his chair around slowly, his gaze locking onto his attorney.
"My wife’s estate?" Richard repeated, his voice dropping an octave. "What could a worm like Mark possibly know about Elizabeth’s final arrangements?"
