Chapter 5 - The Price of Redemption
The news of Clara’s return and the birth of the Vance heir leaked to the press by morning. Headlines screamed of hidden scandals, illegitimate heirs, and corporate deceit. Board members demanded an emergency meeting, threatening to remove Julian as CEO if the personal controversy damaged stock values.
Julian stood at the head of the boardroom table, surrounded by men in dark suits who viewed human life through the cold lens of profitability.
"We need a public statement, Julian," one senior partner urged. "Deny the claims, demand a full external audit, and distance yourself from the woman."
Julian looked around the room—at the cold, calculated faces that reminded him so much of his mother. He took a deep breath, reaching into his coat pocket to pull out a small folded paper: Leo's birth registration form, where the father's line remained blank, waiting for his signature.
"I won't deny him," Julian said clearly, his voice resonating through the boardroom.
"Julian, think of your position!" another board member warned.
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"My position was built on a lie," Julian replied, stepping away from the head of the table. "If this company cannot survive a man choosing his son over a corporate image, then this company does not deserve to stand."
He placed his resignation letter on the table and walked out.
