CHAPTER 2: THE BOARDROOM
The moment I stepped into the first black car, my phone exploded with calls.
Lucas.
Richard.
Helen.
Even Sophie.
I ignored every single one.
The convoy pulled away from the mansion and headed downtown.
Toward the company's headquarters.
Toward the place Lucas believed belonged to him.
Twenty minutes later, I entered the executive boardroom.
Every director was already seated.
Every attorney.
Every investor.
Every shareholder.
Waiting.
As I walked in, the room stood.
Not out of fear.
Out of respect.
"Good evening, Ms. Carter."
The chairman smiled.
"We've been waiting for you."
I nodded.
"Let's begin."
Documents were distributed around the table.
Votes were cast.
Signatures were collected.
The process took less than fifteen minutes.
When it was over, the chairman closed the folder.
"It is official."
He looked directly at me.
"Lucas Harrison has been removed as CEO effective immediately."
Silence followed.
Then applause filled the room.
Not because a man had fallen.
Because competence had finally replaced arrogance.
My phone buzzed again.
This time, a message arrived.
Lucas.
Please answer.
Another.
I didn't know.
Another.
We can fix this.
I stared at the screen.
Then deleted every message.
For years he ignored my pain.
Tonight he could experience his own.
May you like
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, the news had already reached them.
And panic had become terror.
