Chapter 10: The High-Rise Citadel
The boardroom on the 50th floor of the Vance Tower was a fortress of polished glass, chrome, and calculated ambition. Twelve board members sat around a twenty-foot mahogany table, overlooking the bustling city below.
Marcus Vance stood at the head of the table, dressed in a sharp three-piece navy suit. He projected the aura of a grieving son ready to lead the company into a lucrative future.
“Our father’s tragic passing and subsequent hospitalization have left this firm vulnerable,” Marcus announced smoothly, clicking a remote to display blueprints of the luxury development. “By liquidating the non-performing community assets, our annual dividends will triple.”
An elderly board member, Mrs. Gable, raised her hand. “Marcus, those clinics were your mother’s legacy. Arthur expressly told us—”
“Arthur is incapacitated!” Marcus cut in sharply, his mask slipping for a brief second. “Under current corporate bylaws, my proxy gives me unilateral authority to execute this transition. All in favor of approving the Apex merger?”
Eight hands began to rise slowly into the air.
“Before you vote,” a resonant voice boomed from the double doors, “you might want to see the real balance sheet.”
May you like
The doors flew open, and Derek walked into the boardroom, flanked by two federal marshals.
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