Chapter 5 - The Corporate Viper Strikes BackWhile Ethan was busy restoring justice for Grace, a storm was brewing within the executive suites of Parker Technologies.
Arthur Sterling, a powerful venture capitalist and minority board member who had long opposed Ethan’s philanthropic distractions, smelled blood in the water. Rumors had leaked to the financial press that the young billionaire was neglecting quarterly revenue targets to play white knight for a struggling local artist.
On Thursday morning, the executive boardroom was packed.
Arthur Sterling stood at the head of the mahogany table, slamming a printed financial journal down onto the polished wood.
“Have you all lost your minds?” Arthur roared, glaring at the board members. “Ethan Parker is using corporate security and company-funded investigators to chase down stolen paintings for a struggling single mother! Our stock dropped four points yesterday because Wall Street thinks our CEO has turned Parker Technologies into a charity foundation!”
The heavy oak doors swung open.
Ethan walked into the boardroom. He wasn't wearing his usual diplomatic smile; his expression was granite-hard, his eyes sharp as broken glass.
“Good morning, Arthur,” Ethan said smoothly, taking his seat opposite his rival. “You seem agitated.”
“Agitated?” Arthur sneered, leaning forward. “Ethan, you’re squandering our capital on personal crusades. The board is calling an emergency vote of no confidence. We’re stripping you of your CEO title, effective immediately, and auditing every dollar you’ve spent outside corporate parameters.”
The room went dead silent. Several board members lowered their eyes, intimidated by Arthur’s aggressive financial backing.
Ethan didn't blink. He calmly placed a thick manila folder on the table and slid it across to the lead investor.
“Before you call any votes, Arthur,” Ethan said quietly, “you might want to review what’s inside that folder.”
Arthur frowned, picking up the documents. As he flipped through the pages, his arrogant smirk instantly shattered. His face turned the color of ash.
“This—this is impossible!” Arthur stammered, his hands shaking.
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“It’s very possible,” Ethan replied, his voice ringing crisp across the silent room. “Those are bank records proving you’ve been systematically embezzling venture capital funds from our R&D subsidiary to cover your personal gambling debts in Macau. The SEC already has copies, Arthur. Federal agents are walking into your home right now.”
Arthur stumbled backward, white-faced, and bolted out of the boardroom in absolute disgrace.
