Chapter 5 - The Weakest Link
The corporate gala for Vance Communications was supposed to be Julian’s victory lap. Instead, it was a funeral.
I arrived wearing a stunning, backless emerald gown that clung to my post-partum curves. I had left Leo at home with a team of security and a trusted nanny. When I walked into the grand ballroom of the Four Seasons, the whispers started immediately.
Julian was at the far end of the room, nursing a scotch, looking ten years older. Maya was by his side, flashing a tight, synthetic smile at the board members who were clearly avoiding them.
The moment Julian saw me, his jaw clenched. He started to storm toward me, but I didn't give him the chance. I bypassed him entirely and walked straight to Arthur Vance, Julian’s uncle and the chairman of the board.
“Clara,” Arthur said, kissing my cheek. He was the only Vance who had ever treated me with respect. “You look radiant. And congratulations on the birth of my great-nephew.”
“Thank you, Arthur,” I said smoothly. “I imagine you’ve seen the legal notices?”
Arthur sighed, looking at his nephew with pure disappointment. “I have. The board is in a panic, Clara. Julian is a liability. But a messy custody battle over the controlling shares will tank our stock price.”
“There won't be a battle, Arthur,” I promised quietly. “By Friday, Julian will step down voluntarily, and I will assume proxy control without a single drop of bad press for the company.”
Arthur raised an eyebrow. “That’s a bold promise.”
“I just need one favor from the board,” I said.
Before I could finish, Maya intercepted me. She grabbed my arm, her manicured nails digging into my skin. “Can we talk in the powder room? Now.”
I politely excused myself from Arthur and followed Maya. The moment the heavy wooden door of the restroom closed, Maya dropped the act.
“What do you want, Clara?” she hissed, her voice shaking. “He’s broke. The board froze his access to the corporate accounts pending the custody suit. I’m paying for my own Ubers. Make it stop.”
I stepped up to the mirror, calmly reapplying my red lipstick. “You chose him, Maya. You wanted my life. Now you have it.”
“I didn't want this!” she cried out. “He lied to me! He told me you were bleeding him dry, that he was the victim!”
“And you believed him because you wanted to,” I said, turning to face her. “But I know about the Cayman accounts, Maya.”
May you like
All the blood drained from her face. She stumbled backward, hitting the marble sink.
“I have the IP logs. I have the wire signatures. I know you authorized the transfers,” I stepped closer, dropping my voice to a lethal whisper. “Julian is going to go to federal prison. And you are going to go right down with him… unless you do exactly what I tell you.”
