Chapter 7 - The Downfall
Arthur Vance raised his hand, addressing the room. “All in favor of the immediate termination of Ethan Hayes from all corporate positions, the revocation of his stock options, and the total surrender of his company assets to the victim’s trust?”
Every single board member raised their hand without hesitation.
“The motion carries unanimously,” Vance stated.
Ethan took a step back toward the exit, his eyes wild with panic. “You can’t take my shares! I’ll sue! I’ll tear this company apart in court!”
“You won't have the chance,” a voice called out from the boardroom entrance.
Detective Miller stepped through the doors, accompanied by two federal agents from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Ethan Hayes,” Miller said, pulling out a fresh warrant. “In addition to state assault charges, you are now being placed under federal arrest for wire fraud, corporate embezzlement, and tax evasion.”
Ethan turned to run toward the private executive balcony, but the two security guards tackled him to the floor before he reached the glass doors. The expensive suit tore against the hard carpet. His leather shoes kicked uselessly as the federal agents pinned his arms behind his back and snapped heavy iron cuffs onto his wrists.
“Mom!” Ethan screamed, his face pressed against the carpet, his arrogance completely shattered into pathetic panic. “Mom, please! Don't do this! I’m your son! I’m your only child!”
Margaret stood above him, looking down at his squirming form with quiet pity.
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“You ceased being my son the moment you turned my home into a prison,” she said softly.
The agents pulled Ethan to his feet. News cameras had gathered in the lobby downstairs, and as the officers led him out through the glass doors of Hayes Medical Tech, the flashing lights illuminated his tear-streaked, defeated face for the entire world to see.
