Chapter 8 - The Boardroom Coup
The room plunged into absolute, suffocating silence.
Dr. Alan took a staggering step back, his face turning the color of skim milk. ""Im... impossible. The curare dosage was fatal...""
""You always were a mediocre physician, Alan,"" Edward said, his voice ringing with cold command. ""A better man would have checked the vase behind the nightstand.""
Richard’s hands began to shake violently. ""Kill him,"" he whispered to his three guards. ""Shoot him now! It's an intruder! Shoot!""
The three guards reached for their holsters, but before their hands cleared leather, the French terrace windows shattered in a deafening shower of glass. Four heavily armed men in black tactical gear burst through, subduing the guards in less than three seconds, driving their faces into the floorboards.
Sean stepped through the broken frame, carrying an assault rifle slung across his chest. ""Perimeter secure, Boss.""
Edward didn't even flinch. He walked slowly toward Richard, every stride deliberate, measured, and terrifying. The invalid they had wheeled like livestock down the church aisle was gone; in his place stood the ruthless titan of Kane Enterprises.
""You took my father’s company, poisoned my veins, and dragged a defenseless girl through church to feed your petty ego,"" Edward said, stopping inches from Richard’s sweating face.
""Edward... wait, it was a misunderstanding!"" Richard stammered, raising his palms. ""I was protecting the firm! The board is upstairs right now, they won't accept this madness!""
""Good,"" Edward said coldly. ""They won't have to wait long.""
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He turned to Clara, extending his arm with effortless elegance. ""Mrs. Kane. Shall we greet our guests?""
Clara looked at his offered arm, then up at his steady eyes. She wiped her hands on her frayed dress, lifted her chin, and took his arm. Together, they walked past the groaning guards and stepped into the grand corridor of the manor.
