Chapter 4 - The Lockout
The sound of handcuffs ratcheting around Julian and Eleanor’s wrists was the sweetest symphony Victoria had ever heard.
“Victoria, please!” Julian begged as the officers dragged him toward the front doors. “I didn't know what my mother was doing! I only helped hide it because I was scared of the scandal! I love you! I love our baby! You can’t do this to me! I’m the CEO of your company!”
Victoria stood up, her heavily pregnant silhouette casting a long shadow across the marble floor.
“Correction, Julian,” Victoria said flatly. “You were the CEO.”
By 9:00 A.M. the next morning, Julian and Eleanor were sitting in separate holding cells at the Travis County Jail, charged with conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with evidence, and reckless endangerment.
Because of the overwhelming video evidence and Victoria’s immense wealth, the judge denied them bail pending a formal hearing.
Victoria, however, did not waste a single second resting.
She sat in her home office, flanked by her lead corporate attorney, Marcus, and her forensic accountant, Sarah.
“Execute the kill switch,” Victoria commanded, sipping a cup of herbal tea.
Marcus nodded, tapping rapidly on his laptop.
Julian had spent the last three years strutting around Austin, playing the brilliant billionaire real estate developer. But the truth was buried in the fine print of their prenuptial agreement and the corporate bylaws. Victoria owned 100% of the voting shares of Vanguard Real Estate Development. Julian was merely an appointed employee.
With a few keystrokes, Marcus triggered an emergency board resolution.
“Done,” Marcus said, looking up. “Julian Vance is officially terminated for cause due to felony arrest and gross moral turpitude. His corporate email is locked. His access to the corporate jet is revoked.”
“What about the bank accounts?” Victoria asked, turning to Sarah.
“I’ve frozen all joint accounts and entirely drained the discretionary fund he used for his personal expenses,” Sarah confirmed, a satisfied smirk on her face. “I also canceled Chloe’s limitless Black Card and revoked the lease on the sports car Julian drives. As of exactly three minutes ago, Julian Vance has a net worth of zero dollars.”
Victoria leaned back in her leather chair, rubbing her swollen belly. The baby kicked gently, as if cheering her on.
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For years, Julian had treated her like a naive piggy bank, smiling to her face while draining her resources and plotting her death. He thought he was a predator playing with his prey.
He had no idea he was dealing with a sovereign queen who owned the entire board.
