Chapter 5 - Counter-Strategy
Julian stared out the kitchen window, watching the morning breeze rustle through the oak trees in the backyard.
His mother thought she could use the legal system as a blunt instrument to force him into submission, just as she had done to his father years ago.
She had severely underestimated how thoroughly Julian had restructured the family assets since taking over the CEO position.
'Send me the court summons, Arthur,' Julian instructed smoothly, his voice carrying absolute confidence.
'And pull up the forensic accounting audits we completed on Mother’s Palm Beach property last quarter.'
'The ones detailing her unauthorized use of corporate funds for personal real estate ventures?' Arthur asked over the line.
'Exactly those,' Julian confirmed.
'If she wants to drag this into a courtroom and make it a public spectacle, we will give the judge a complete financial history of her decades of embezzlement.'
'Consider it done, Julian,' Arthur agreed, a hint of respect in his tone.
'I'll have the counter-motion drafted by noon.'
Julian hung up the phone just as soft footsteps padded into the kitchen.
Elena walked in, wearing an oversized cashmere sweater, her hair tied in a loose bun, looking much better after a full night of uninterrupted sleep.
'Was that your lawyer?' Elena asked softly, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
'It was,' Julian answered honestly, walking over to wrap his arms around her waist.
'Mother filed an emergency injunction with the court this morning, claiming I'm unstable and cutting her off unfairly.'
Elena sighed, resting her head against his chest.
'She never gives up, does she?'
May you like
'Never,' Julian kissed her forehead.
'Nub she picked the wrong fight. We go to court tomorrow, we lay out the facts, and we cut the cord once and for all.'
