Chapter 7 - Rebuilding the Realm
By the next morning, news of the Sterling scandal dominated every major network and financial newspaper across the country.
“BILLIONAIRE HEIR FEIGNS PARALYSIS TO EXPOSE CONSPIRACY!” read the front-page headline of the Wall Street Journal.
The stock of my family’s conglomerate, Vance Global Holdings, soared by thirty percent as investors rallied around my decisive, ruthless purge of the corrupt board members.
In my corner office on the top floor of Vance Tower, I sat behind the massive mahogany desk. Dominic stood across from me, handing me the morning briefing.
"Vanessa and her mother were denied bail," Dominic reported. "The evidence Clara recorded, combined with the Swiss wire transfers, gives the prosecutor an airtight case. They’re looking at twenty years minimum."
"And Daniel?" I asked.
"He’s offering to testify against Martin and Vanessa in exchange for a lighter sentence. I advised the DA to reject it. He deserves the full sentence."
"Good," I replied coldly. "Ensure Daniel gets no special treatment in prison."
There was a soft knock at the office door. Clara stepped in, dressed not in a maid’s uniform, but in a tailored dark blue business suit.
I had appointed her as my personal Executive Assistant that morning, with a salary ten times what she earned at the estate and full executive authority over my personal schedule.
"Mr. Vance," Clara said professionally, holding an iPad. "The new board of directors has assembled in the main conference room. They are waiting for your address."
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I stood up, putting on my suit jacket. "Thank you, Clara. Are you ready for this?"
She smiled, a hint of newfound confidence glowing in her eyes. "I’ve dealt with snakes before, sir. A board room won't intimidate me."
