Chapter 7 - The Confrontation

Thirty minutes later, Henry and Leo walked into Richard Coleman’s private executive suite at headquarters.
Sitting on the leather sofa inside the office was Vance Sterling, casually looking over a stack of quarterly financial reports.
"Richard is in a board meeting for another fifteen minutes, Henry," Vance said smoothly, offering a fake, polite smile. "Can I help you with something?"
Henry didn't smile back. He walked right up to the desk, placing the supply manifests down with a sharp THUD.
"I was reviewing the harbor sealant orders, Vance," Henry said bluntly. "You swapped the certified contractor materials for cheap, toxic silicone derivatives from your personal off-shore supplier. You've been skimming millions from the city infrastructure budget."
Vance’s smile slowly faded, replaced by a cold, arrogant sneer.
"You should stick to mending boots, old man," Vance dismissed him coolly. "You're an employee here because my stepbrother felt sorry for you. Don't throw away your comfortable retirement by making foolish accusations."
"It's not just money, Vance," Leo spoke up from beside his grandfather, his voice clear and brave. "The silicone you used in those pipes is the exact same material as the little cap that choked baby Ethan."
Vance’s eyes snapped toward Leo, filled with sudden, dark rage. He stood up slowly, leaning across the desk.
"Listen to me, you tiny street rat," Vance spat quietly. "You got lucky at the hospital. But if you think Richard is going to take the word of a homeless beggar over his own brother, you're mistaken."
"He won't have to," a powerful voice boomed from the doorway.
Richard Coleman stood at the entrance, accompanied by two internal auditors and Marcus Vance. The heavy oak door had been slightly open the entire time.
Richard’s face was dark with absolute betrayal.
"I had my doubts when Henry called me twenty minutes ago," Richard said, walking into the room with cold, heavy steps. "I couldn't believe my own stepbrother would embezzle from our city contracts. But hearing you threaten a ten-year-old boy in my own office..."
Vance went pale, taking a step backward. "Richard... listen to me! They're setting me up! This old man wants my position!"
"Marcus," Richard commanded without looking at his brother. "Take Mr. Sterling down to the legal department. Hand over all supply manifests and off-shore account records to the District Attorney's office immediately."
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"You can't do this to me, Richard!" Vance yelled as Marcus and two security guards took him by the arms. "I am family!"
"Family doesn't poison a five-month-old baby's formula to steal a company," Richard replied coldly. "Get him out of my sight."