Chapter 3 – The Empire That Was Never His
Arthur stood and walked toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"When Clare married you," he began quietly, "she asked me for one thing."
"To let you believe you had built your own success."
Adrian frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
Arthur pressed a button.
The company's General Counsel entered carrying several leather binders.
Inside were documents Adrian had never seen.
The Sterling Family Trust.
Investment agreements.
Shareholder records.
Original capitalization documents.
Arthur looked directly into Adrian's eyes.
"You were the Chief Executive Officer."
"You were never the owner."
Every hotel.
Every office tower.
Every private jet.
Every luxury residence.
Everything Adrian proudly called his...
Had always belonged to the Sterling Family Trust.
Arthur continued.
"I wanted to know whether success would make you grateful..."
"...or arrogant."
"You answered that question tonight."
The board unanimously voted.
Adrian Sterling was removed as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.
His executive access ended at midnight.
His company shares were frozen pending investigation.
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For the first time since becoming famous...
Adrian realized he had mistaken borrowed power for permanent ownership.
