Chapter 6 - Standing Ground
"Look at page twelve," I instructed the board, ignoring Julian’s outburst. "Over the past three years, over twelve million dollars in corporate dividends, trust disbursements, and wage allocations were systematically siphoned out of estate accounts. The funds were used to cover margin calls on failed personal offshore investments in Dubai and Monaco."
"These documents are fabricated!" Julian yelled, standing up so fast his leather chair rolled back into the wall. "This is a desperate attempt by a young executive to consolidate power before today’s vote!"
"If they are fabricated," I said, reaching into my bag and pulling out a tablet, "then perhaps you’d like to explain this to the federal prosecutors currently waiting downstairs."
The room went dead silent.
Julian froze. "What did you say?"
"I met with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Labor yesterday afternoon," I explained, looking him straight in the eye. "I presented them with full server logs, Whitmore's sworn confession, and wire transfer records linking Vance Legacy Holdings directly to your personal bank accounts."
Julian’s confidence crumbled. He looked around the table at his fellow board members, seeking support, but every single one of them lowered their eyes or turned away.
"You... you brought federal authorities into a family matter?" Julian whispered, his voice trembling with anger and disbelief.
"You stopped being family the moment you stole from hardworking mothers who clean your floors," I replied, my voice echoing with absolute finality. "You used my name, my house, and my parents' legacy to cover your greed."
The heavy double doors of the boardroom swung open. Two federal agents, accompanied by Marcus and private estate security, walked into the room.
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"Julian Vance?" the lead agent asked. "We have a warrant for your arrest on charges of grand larceny, wire fraud, and labor exploitation."
Julian looked around, defeated. His face was pale, his arrogance completely shattered. He didn't say another word as the agents stepped forward, placed him in handcuffs, and led him out of the boardroom in full view of the city’s top investors.
