Chapter 3: The Acquisition
The next morning, Victoria arrived at the boutique to assess the damages. The car had been towed, but the storefront was boarded up. As she typed in her security code, two men in sharp suits approached her. "Victoria Vance?" one asked, handing her a thick folder. "You no longer have access to this premises."
"Excuse me? I own this franchise," Victoria snapped, her old arrogance flaring up.
"As of 8:00 AM this morning, Sterling Enterprises has acquired the building, the land, and the parent company of your franchise," the man replied coldly. "Your lease is terminated. Your employment is terminated. Furthermore, Mr. Sterling is filing a civil suit for the physical assault of his daughter." The folder slipped from Victoria's hands, scattering across the pavement. In less than twenty-four hours, the empire she had built on vanity had been systematically dismantled.
