Chapter 6 - The Fall of the House of Coleman
Back in Scottsdale, the Arizona heat was brutal, matching the atmosphere inside the small, cramped offices of Coleman Development.
David sat at his desk, his sleeves rolled up, his forehead covered in sweat. The desk was piled high with past-due notices, bank warnings, and legal threats from Allison’s attorneys. Across from him sat Megan, her face pale, her hands trembling as she held a copy of the local business journal.
"They published the article, David," Megan whispered, sliding the paper toward him. "It’s on the front page. 'Family Legacy Built on Lies: The Collapse of Coleman Development'."
David grabbed the paper, his eyes scanning the lines of text. The article detailed everything—the failed projects, the departure of Marcus, and the public scandal at the maternity clinic. The journalist had even managed to secure a quote from one of David’s primary investors, who claimed they were pulling their funds because of the "instability and moral bankruptcy of the company's leadership."
"This is Catherine’s doing," David growled, his voice hoarse. "I know it is. She’s behind this. That Mercedes... those lawyers... she’s trying to ruin me."
"How could she be behind this, David?" Megan snapped, her stress finally boiling over. "She was a housewife! She didn't have any money! She’s probably living in some cheap motel in Europe, crying herself to sleep!"
Before David could reply, the door to his office opened, and a young woman in a sharp gray suit stepped in. She carried a leather briefcase and a set of legal documents.
"Mr. Coleman?" she asked, her voice entirely professional.
"What do you want?" David snapped. "We aren't taking any new clients today."
"I am not a client, Mr. Coleman," the woman said, placing the documents on his desk. "My name is Claire Vance, representing Eagles Peak Holdings. As of nine o'clock this morning, our client has officially acquired fifty percent of the outstanding shares of Coleman Development LLC."
David’s jaw dropped. "What? That’s impossible! Marcus sold his shares to a Swiss entity—"
"Which is a subsidiary of Eagles Peak," Claire explained, her expression neutral. "And as the majority stakeholder under the company’s operating agreement, we are hereby calling an emergency meeting of the board of directors for ten o'clock tomorrow morning. At that meeting, we will be voting on a motion to remove you from your position as Chief Executive Officer due to financial mismanagement and reputational damage to the firm."
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David stood up so fast his chair rolled back and smashed into the wall. "Remove me?! I built this company! My name is on the door!"
"Not for much longer, Mr. Coleman," Claire said smoothly, turning to walk out. "I suggest you prepare your financial disclosures. Our forensic team will be conducting a full audit of your personal expense accounts first thing in the morning."
