Chapter 7 - The Lion's Den
The Sterling Corporation building was a massive skyscraper of glass and steel in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Security was incredibly tight, with armed guards patrolling the marble lobby.
The annual shareholder’s meeting was taking place in the penthouse boardroom on the fiftieth floor.
Marcus parked the truck in the underground loading dock.
"The journalist left the access badges in the service elevator," Marcus said, handing Clara two plastic keycards.
"I will secure the exit route. You get the kid upstairs."
Clara nodded, strapping Leo to a lightweight, foldable wheelchair they had purchased at a pharmacy along the way.
She wore a dark tailored suit borrowed from the journalist, blending in perfectly with the corporate environment.
They rode the service elevator in tense silence.
The doors chimed open on the fiftieth floor, revealing a chaotic backstage area filled with caterers and sound technicians.
Clara pushed Leo confidently through the crowd, acting as if they completely belonged there.
Through the massive glass double doors, they could see the boardroom.
Hundreds of wealthy investors sat in plush leather chairs.
At the front podium stood Richard Sterling, his silver hair perfectly styled, looking somber and dignified.
Beside him sat Eleanor, dabbing her eyes with a lace handkerchief for the cameras.
"It is with a profoundly broken heart that I announce the tragic passing of my beloved grandson, Leo," Richard spoke into the microphone.
A collective murmur of sympathy rippled through the room.
"Due to this devastating loss, the Sterling family trust will be consolidated to ensure the future stability of this great company," Richard continued seamlessly.
Eleanor offered a perfectly rehearsed, sorrowful nod to the crowd.
Clara gripped the handles of Leo's wheelchair.
"Ready to ruin their day?" she whispered.
May you like
"Push the doors, Clara," Leo ordered.
Clara kicked the heavy oak doors open with a loud, reverberating bang that silenced the entire room.
