Chapter 5 - The Boardroom Siege
Friday morning arrived. The atmosphere inside the glass-walled boardroom on the 50th floor of Carter Enterprises headquarters was thick with tension.
Julian Vance sat at the head of the polished mahogany table, wearing a triumphant smirk. Alongside him was Vanessa’s high-powered defense attorney, presenting fabricated financial documents to the board members.
“As you can see,” Vance declared to the board, “Michael Carter has become unstable, embezzling corporate funds and framing his innocent wife. For the stability of the stock, we must strip him of his CEO title today.”
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors of the boardroom swung open.
Michael Carter walked in, wearing a sharp charcoal suit, flanked by Harrison and three federal agents from the Financial Crimes Division.
The room went dead silent. Vance’s smile faltered slightly.
“You’re late for your own execution, Michael,” Vance scoffed, trying to maintain his composure. “Security, escort this man out!”
“Security works for the board, Julian,” Michael said calmly, stepping to the head of the table. “And the board answers to the truth.”
Michael signaled Harrison, who plugged Mrs. Higgins’ USB drive directly into the master projector system.
The large wall screen flashed to life. High-definition video played across the screen—showing Julian Vance opening Michael’s private safe with a master code provided by Vanessa, transferring digital encryption keys to siphon corporate funds.
Then, the video cut to the playroom footage.
The entire board gasped in horror as Vanessa’s cruel voice echoed through the speakers, showing her raising a wooden hanger over two cowering, sobbing children.
Several board members turned away, unable to stomach the sight. Vance turned pale as paper.
“This is a fabrication!” Vance stuttered, jumping to his feet. “This is AI-generated!”
“It’s verified by federal forensics, Mr. Vance,” the lead FBI agent stepped forward, pulling out a pair of steel handcuffs. “Julian Vance, you are under arrest for corporate espionage, grand larceny, and conspiracy. And your accomplice, Vanessa, is already facing child abuse and federal fraud charges.”
As the agents slapped handcuffs on Vance and led him away, the remaining board members stood up one by one, applauding Michael and apologizing profusely for ever doubting him.
Michael looked at them indifferently. “I don't care about the applause. I’m stepping down as active CEO.”
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The room gasped. “Michael, you just saved the company!”
“My children need their father,” Michael said firmly. “I built this empire for them, but none of it matters if I’m not there to raise them.”
