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The string quartet at the conservatory-turned-venue played a melancholic Vivaldi piece, but Grayson Maddox couldn’t hear the music. His heart pounded like a jackhammer against his ribs. / Chapter 12 / 20

Chapter 12 - THE SISTER’S STRIKEThe next morning, the executive boardroom of Maddox Development felt like a tomb.

Grayson walked in at 8:55 AM, his custom suit sharp, his expression an unreadable mask of granite. But as he took his seat at the head of the mahogany table, he noticed an empty chair to his left—one that hadn't been occupied in five years.

The heavy glass doors swung open at precisely 9:00 AM.

Evelyn Vance stepped inside. She wore a sharp, blood-red pantsuit that commanded the room instantly. Her eyes, the color of winter steel, locked onto Grayson with predatory amusement.

"Good morning, Grayson," Evelyn said smoothly, taking the vacant seat without an invitation.

"Evelyn," Grayson replied, his voice chilling the air around them. "Last time I checked, your shares were bought out during the merger of twenty-four. You have no legal right to sit at this table."

Evelyn slid a crisp, gold-embossed legal document across the table. "Times change, Grayson. While you were busy chasing your ex-wife and a baby carriage around Brooklyn, I quietly consolidated debt portfolios across Europe. As of midnight, I control fourteen point two percent of Maddox Development voting rights. Which gives me enough leverage to call for an immediate motion of no confidence in your leadership."

The board members gasped. Whispers erupted around the table.

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