Chapter 2 — Midnight Lockout
At 11:47 p.m., Marcus finished another drink.
Vanessa laughed beside him.
"I can't believe she actually cried."
Marcus smirked.
"She'll beg to come back."
His phone vibrated.
Then again.
Then continuously.
His Chief Financial Officer.
General Counsel.
Regional Director.
Board Secretary.
He ignored them.
Finally the hotel's General Manager approached, pale and visibly shaking.
"Sir..."
Marcus frowned.
"What?"
"You need to come to the executive office."
"I'm busy."
"I'm afraid... this can't wait."
Annoyed, Marcus followed him upstairs.
Inside the boardroom sat twelve executives.
Every screen displayed the same document.
Emergency Resolution Passed — Effective Immediately
Marcus laughed.
"What joke is this?"
The chairman looked up.
"It isn't a joke."
"By majority vote, you have been removed as Chief Executive Officer."
Marcus stared.
"You don't have enough votes."
One attorney slid a leather folder across the table.
"Actually..."
"...the majority shareholder has voted."
Marcus flipped through the documents.
His confidence disappeared.
The signatures were authentic.
The ownership percentages undeniable.
Then he saw one name.
Isabella Ashcroft.
Below it—
Ashcroft Global Holdings — 61% Controlling Interest.
His hands began to shake.
"No..."
The attorney spoke quietly.
"Mr. Ashcroft has resumed active control."
Marcus whispered,
"Isabella knew?"
May you like
The chairman answered,
"She always knew."
