Chapter 4: The Boardroom Mirage
By 8:00 AM the following morning, the sun broke through the gray city smog, casting sharp shadows across the floor of the Vanguard Tower boardroom. Julian sat at the head of the polished conference table, flanked by four senior attorneys.
"Read it to me again," Julian commanded, staring out at the city below.
"Mr. Vance," the senior partner began cautiously, clearing his throat. "The acquisition documents you signed last night... they are legally binding regarding the physical assets. However, the intellectual property—the core algorithm driving the entire logistical network—was transferred three hours before the gala started."
Julian turned slowly. The smug, invincible composure he wore like armor was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating stillness. "Transferred where?"
"To a non-profit foundation registered under the name Lumen," the attorney replied. "The sole trustee listed is Victoria Sterling."
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Julian stood up slowly, leaning his palms on the glass table. "She gave away three billion dollars?"
"She didn't give it away," the attorney corrected nervously. "She locked it in a trust designed to fund public infrastructure and community relief in the old industrial district. You own the shell of the corporation, Mr. Vance. But the heart of it... belongs to the city now."
