Chapter 9 - The Digital Execution
The kitchen assistant stood trembling under the collective gaze of the Vance family, clutching the broken tablet as if it were a live grenade.
“What do you mean, leaked?” Julian demanded, crossing the marble floor in three long strides to snatch the device from the boy’s hands.
The screen flickered, displaying a live-streaming news broadcast from a major financial network. The headline blazoned across the bottom in bold red letters read: VANCE EMPIRE SCANDAL: HEIR IMPLICATED IN COVER-UP. Below it was a clear, high-definition still frame of Julian holding Clara by her shoulders in the staff quarters, her pregnant belly clearly visible.
“It’s everywhere,” the assistant whispered. “Social media, morning show previews, financial blogs. They’re calling it the downfall of the Vance dynasty.”
Clara stared at the shattered screen, the blood draining completely from her face. She stumbled backward, her legs suddenly refusing to support her weight. Thomas caught her just in time, glaring furiously at Julian and his family.
“This is what your precious legacy buys, Mr. Vance,” Thomas spat, supporting his daughter as she struggled to breathe. “Public humiliation for a young woman who just wanted to earn an honest living.”
Julian stared at the screen in sheer disbelief. Only three people had access to the east wing security server: himself, Eleanor, and the head of internal security. He slowly turned his head to look at his mother, whose expression had hardened into an emotionless mask.
“You,” Julian whispered, stepping toward her. “You leaked the footage.”
Eleanor didn’t flinch. She met his accusing glare with chilling composure. “If a limb is infected, Julian, you amputate it before the rot spreads to the heart of the body. I simply accelerated an inevitable outcome.”
“You betrayed your own blood!” Julian shouted, lunging forward, but Richard quickly stepped in, physically blocking his brother from approaching their mother.
“Calm down, hero,” Richard warned, his voice dangerously low. “Beating up Mother on national television isn’t going to help Clara or your unborn child.”
“Richard is right,” a voice spoke from the shadows near the double doors.
Everyone turned. Standing in the doorway was Victoria Vance, their estranged cousin from the Boston branch, wearing a sharp grey winter coat and carrying a leather briefcase. Her sudden arrival felt less like a coincidence and more like a pre-arranged execution.
“Victoria?” Julian muttered, lowering his hands. “What are you doing here?”
May you like
“I’m here to call an emergency board meeting,” Victoria replied smoothly, stepping into the light. “Effective immediately, by majority proxy vote, you have both been stripped of your executive authority.”
---
