THE BILLIONAIRE'S TINY JUDGE

While Julian was beginning to reshape the conscience of his empire, dark currents were stirring in the lower ranks of Vance Global’s executive suite.

In an upscale steakhouse tucked away in Tribeca, Jonathan Sterling sat in a secluded leather booth across from Arthur Pendelton, a venture capitalist with deep ties to Vance Global’s main competitors.

"Julian has lost his nerve," Jonathan whispered, swirling the scotch in his tumbler. "He walked into the boardroom today talking like a philanthropist. He canceled the automated shipping cuts on a whim. The board is terrified he’s having a nervous breakdown."

Pendelton cut into his steak with measured precision. "A visionary CEO who turns sentimental is a liability to his shareholders, Jonathan. But under Delaware corporate law, the board can call an emergency vote to strip him of executive authority if he demonstrates fiduciary incompetence."

"He owns forty-two percent of voting shares," Jonathan countered grimly. "We can’t outvote him unless we prove gross negligence or an active breach of contract."

"Then we create one," Pendelton said coolly, setting his fork down. "Vance Global is currently bidding on the municipal smart-grid infrastructure contract for New York City. If a security leak exposes vulnerabilities in Julian’s private networks, his capability to handle national infrastructure will be destroyed overnight."

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. "You’re talking about the security breach at his mansion last night. Marcus."

"The media doesn't know why Marcus took that drive," Pendelton smiled thin and sharp. "They only know a high-level employee stole confidential data from Julian Vance’s home office. If we spin the narrative that Julian’s personal life is a chaotic mess and his private estate is compromised, the municipal commission will drop Vance Global by Friday."

Jonathan took a slow sip of his drink. "And Lily? She was in the foyer when security grabbed Marcus. It could get messy."