Chapter 12 - The Iron Clause
Damian picked up the heavy parchment. The signature at the bottom was written in his father’s bold, uneven scrawl, penned during his final hours in the hospital. As Damian scanned the lines, a cold, dark realization washed over him.
""Father knew,"" Damian murmured.
""He knew Julian’s greed would devour the family from within,"" Arthur answered, his hands resting heavily on his cane. ""The will states that if Julian Vance ever attempts to claim sole executive power through unlawful force or corporate fraud, his branch of the family is completely disinherited. Every share, every asset, every account—revoked instantly.""
""There's a catch,"" Sophia pointed out, leaning over Damian’s shoulder to read the fine print. ""The clause can only be enacted in person, in front of a full quorum of the board of directors, verified by the physical presence of the ruling heir and the legitimate child.""
Damian frowned, looking sharply at Arthur. ""You expect me to bring Elena and Leo into that boardroom?""
""No,"" Arthur replied calmly. ""I expect you to bring Leo's biometric confirmation and the mother's sworn affidavit. But Julian will have armed guards stationed at every doorway of the tower. He will shoot on sight before you ever reach the top floor.""
""Then we don't use the doors,"" Damian said, turning to Mateo. ""How many men can we deploy from the old regiment?""
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Mateo smiled, a grim, bloodstained grin. ""Twenty veteran operatives, Boss. All equipped with heavy armor and high-altitude gear.""
Damian strapped on his shoulder holster, checking the slide of his custom sidearm with a resounding snap. ""We take the rooftop.""
