Chapter 4 - The Boardroom Storm
At 8:55 AM the next morning, the glass doors of Vance Bio-Tech’s Manhattan headquarters swung open.
Julian Vance stood at the head of the polished obsidian conference table on the fortieth floor, wearing a four-thousand-dollar tailored suit. Sitting beside him was Sabrina, wearing diamond earrings that had belonged to my late mother. Julian was laughing, chatting with the senior board members, holding a champagne glass in his hand.
"As Mrs. Elena Vance is currently hospitalized and unable to manage her personal affairs," Julian announced smoothly to the room, "I am exercising my proxy rights to execute the sale of the M-17 research division to international buyers—"
The heavy double oak doors of the boardroom crashed open.
Julian stopped mid-sentence. The room went dead silent.
I walked into the boardroom. I wore an elegant black tailored blazer, my hair pulled back neatly, carrying Maya securely against my chest in a soft leather baby carrier.
And walking half a step behind me was Luka Moretti, flanked by three senior corporate litigation attorneys holding thick black leather briefcases.
Julian’s champagne glass slipped from his fingers, shattering across the white marble floor. His face turned pale as chalk, his eyes darting frantically between me and the baby.
"Elena?" Julian stammered, his voice rising in pitch. "What... what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in the recovery ward! You're sick!"
"I've never been clearer in my life, Julian," I said, my voice echoing through the silent boardroom with absolute authority.
Sabrina stood up, her dark eyes flashing with anger. "Security! Remove this woman! She's intruder!"
"Sit down, Sabrina," Luka’s deep voice boomed through the room, cutting through the air like a blade.
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The two private security guards near the doors didn't move an inch. They recognized Luka Moretti immediately; in fact, the chief of security for the building bowed his head slightly toward Luka before stepping back.
"This meeting is officially halted," Luka declared, walking to the head of the table and slamming the black M-17 folder down right in front of Julian. "As co-guardian of the Arthur Vance estate and primary lien-holder of Vance Bio-Tech's debt, all executive voting power is frozen pending a full federal audit."
