Chapter 8 - The Gala Showdown (The Boardroom Trap)
We didn't wait for the family court hearing. We brought the war to them.
Victoria called an emergency meeting of the Thorne Industries Board of Directors. Julian walked in, looking smug. He had rallied a few older board members who were skeptical of me, planning to use the custody battle drama to vote Victoria out as CEO, claiming she was distracted and unfit.
Victor was waiting downstairs in the lobby, ready to make a public statement once Julian took control of the company.
I walked into the boardroom carrying a thick stack of manila envelopes.
“What is she doing here?” Julian scoffed. “This is a board meeting, not a daycare.”
“She is the incoming Vice President of Operations,” Victoria said smoothly, taking her seat at the head of the table. “And she has a presentation.”
I didn't smile. I handed an envelope to every board member.
“Inside, you will find offshore bank records, wire transfers, and internal audit reports,” I said, my voice echoing with authority. “For the last five years, Julian Thorne has embezzled over forty million dollars from our R&D division. He has routed this money through shell companies in the Caymans.”
Julian stood up, knocking his chair over. “This is a lie! This is a forgery!”
“It’s not,” the Chief Financial Officer said, turning pale as he reviewed the documents. “The account numbers match the discrepancies we found last quarter.”
“Furthermore,” I continued, not breaking eye contact with Julian, “he has recently used these stolen company funds to finance a frivolous lawsuit against me, in collusion with my ex-husband, Victor Sterling, to extort Thorne Industries for settlement money.”
Julian lunged across the table. “You little street rat!”
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Marcus materialized from the shadows, grabbing Julian by the collar and slamming him face-first onto the polished mahogany.
“The police are in the lobby, Julian,” Victoria said coldly. “They are currently arresting Victor for extortion and fraud. They will be up here for you in roughly thirty seconds.”
