Chapter 5 - The Snake in the Silk Dress
Victoria Cole was a woman who radiated icy authority. The widow of Ethan’s late father, she owned a fifteen percent voting stake in Cole Healthcare Systems and possessed a venomous ambition. She had spent years trying to wrest control of the company from Ethan, viewing him as an illegitimate heir to her late husband's empire.
The moment Victoria stepped out of the elevator onto the executive floor, clad in a sleek Chanel suit and pearl necklace, her cold gaze swept over the office until it landed directly on Claire, who was holding Sophie near the reception desk.
"So," Victoria snapped, her British accent dripping with condescension. "This is the sudden 'charity case' my stepson has elevated to an executive position."
Claire straightened her posture, refusing to shrink under the woman's glare. "I am the Director of Patient Advocacy, Mrs. Cole."
Victoria let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Director? You were a low-level assistant with a falsified record three weeks ago. And now you’re bringing a crying infant into a corporate headquarters? Ethan’s judgment has become completely compromised."
"My judgment is entirely sound, Victoria," Ethan’s stern voice echoed through the hallway as he stepped out of his office. He stepped smoothly between Victoria and Claire, his body acting as a physical shield. "What are you doing here?"
Victoria folded her arms, her eyes glinting with malice. "I’m here to save this company from your emotional foolishness. I’ve heard rumors across the financial circuit about your little midnight rescue operation. You’re using corporate resources to fund a woman you met through a text message. The board is deeply concerned about propriety, conflict of interest, and embezzlement."
"I used my personal funds to assist Claire, not corporate capital," Ethan replied coldly. "And her hiring was approved based on her qualifications and the unanimous vote of the ethics committee after Richard Vance’s criminal activities were exposed."
"Vance was a disgrace, yes," Victoria scoffed. "But replacing a thief with your personal mistress is hardly an improvement."
Claire gasped at the insult, her blood boiling. "I am not his mistress!"
"Quiet, girl," Victoria sneered. "You’re an opportunistic gold-digger who used a child to entrap a billionaire."
Ethan stepped directly into Victoria’s personal space, his eyes blazing with a fury so cold it made the air in the hallway freeze. "Speak to her like that again, Victoria, and I will use my majority voting rights to remove you from the board before the sun sets today."
Victoria’s jaw tightened, a momentary flash of fear appearing in her eyes before she recovered her composure. "You think you’re invincible, Ethan. But the board demands an official ethics audit. Until that audit is complete, Miss Morgan’s position is suspended, and you are forbidden from using company assets for her department."
"She stays," Ethan warned.
"If she stays while under investigation, I will leak this story to the press," Victoria countered with a cruel smile. "'Billionaire CEO Uses Hospital Funds to Bankroll Secret Lover.' Imagine what that headline will do to our stock prices tomorrow morning."
Claire felt a sickening knot form in her stomach. She knew how brutal the media could be. Ethan had spent his entire life building and protecting his family’s legacy. She couldn't let herself be the reason he lost it all.
"Ethan," Claire whispered, touching his arm gently. "It’s okay. I’ll step down temporarily."
"No, Claire—" Ethan began, turning to her.
May you like
"Please," Claire begged softly, looking into his eyes. "Let her run her audit. I have nothing to hide. Our work is clean. Don't let her destroy your company over me."
Ethan looked at Claire, seeing the quiet strength and dignity in her eyes. He turned back to Victoria, his voice dripping with venom. "Run your audit, Victoria. But when you find nothing, I am going to strip you of every ounce of power you have left in this company."
