Chapter 11 - The Fall of the Empire
Eleanor rushed out of the courtroom, refusing to answer the questions of two local reporters who had smelled blood in the hallway. Julian and Amy stood outside the courtroom doors, watching her hurried retreat with cold satisfaction.
""Thank you, Sarah,"" Amy said, embracing the attorney.
""Send me the invoice once Julian regains his legal assets,"" Sarah winked. ""Now, Julian, prepare yourself. Eleanor will try to strike back through the board of directors.""
Within three hours, the court footage had leaked onto the city’s business forums. The scandal erupted like wildfire. The foreign consortium investing in the waterfront project issued an immediate press release: all business dealings with Vance Enterprises were suspended indefinitely due to ethical concerns regarding executive leadership.
Julian’s phone rang continuously. It was not Eleanor, but the vice-chairman of the board of directors, Arthur Sterling.
""Julian,"" Sterling’s voice was tense. ""We are convening an emergency shareholder meeting at three o'clock. The stock is tanking. Eleanor has disgraced the family name and jeopardized our multi-million-dollar contracts. Where are you?""
Julian looked at Amy, who was holding Leo, safely discharged from the hospital and wrapped in a fresh blanket.
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""I’m with my family, Arthur,"" Julian answered calmly. ""If the board wants me to save this company, you will meet me on my terms. Eleanor must be removed as chief executive officer permanently.""
""Agreed,"" Sterling replied without hesitation. ""See you at three.""
