Chapter 5 - The Fall of Vance Nexus
Jasper’s knees buckled. The world seemed to spin on its axis. The luxurious life he had envisioned, the billionaire status he had craved—it had all been within his grasp, inside his own home, and he had thrown it away for a display of petty dominance.
"Hailey, please," Jasper begged, moving toward the table, but two massive security guards instantly stepped into his path. "We can fix this. We’re a family! Think of Toby! He needs his father!"
"Toby needs a role model, not a coward," Hailey said coldly.
Finnley Robertson slid a thick stack of legal documents across the polished table. "At exactly 9:00 AM, which was four minutes ago, Robertson Global officially acquired all outstanding debts of Vance Nexus. We have also purchased the intellectual property rights to your software from your co-founders, who were more than happy to sell you out for a handsome payout."
Jasper rushed to the table and flipped through the documents. His co-founders had signed away everything. The proprietary code, the branding, the patents—all of it now belonged to a subsidiary of Robertson Global.
"You're stripping me of my company?" Jasper whispered, tears of terror finally streaming down his face.
"You don't have a company anymore, Mr. Vance," Finnley replied smoothly. "Vance Nexus is being liquidated. The offices are being locked down as we speak. Your employees will be absorbed into our tech division. As for you... you are personally liable for the remaining balance of the bridge loans. Five million dollars. We will be seizing your personal assets, including your bank accounts, your stock options, and that luxury SUV downstairs—which, if I recall correctly, is registered under my daughter’s name."
"No... no, you can't do this! I’ll sue!" Jasper screamed, his composure entirely fracturing.
The lead attorney next to Finnley smiled. "On what grounds, Mr. Vance? Everything has been executed perfectly within corporate law. You defaulted on your loan terms. We exercised our rights as the primary creditor. Furthermore, we have filed for a temporary restraining order on behalf of Miss Robertson and her son, citing medical neglect and emotional abuse. You are to stay at least 500 feet away from them at all times."
Hailey walked over to Toby's bassinet and gently lifted her son into her arms. She looked at Jasper one last time. There was no hatred in her eyes, only profound pity.
"You told me not to keep calling you, Jasper," Hailey said softly, echoing his words from the day before. "Don't worry. I never will again. Have a nice walk home."
As Hailey and her father walked out of the boardroom through a private side door, the security guards firmly grabbed Jasper by his arms and escorted him down the main elevator.
When the elevator doors opened into the lobby, Gillian and Priscilla rushed forward, eager for good news. "Jasper! Did you fix it? Can we go shopping now?" Gillian asked excitedly.
Jasper didn't answer. He was pale, sweating, and trembling. Before his mother could speak again, two repo agents accompanied by police officers walked up to them.
"Mr. Jasper Vance? We are here to repossess the black luxury SUV parked in the executive bay. Please hand over the keys immediately."
"What?!" Priscilla shrieked. "You can't take our car! Do you know who my brother is?!"
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"Your brother is broke, ma'am," the officer replied flatly. "Hand over the keys, or you will be arrested for grand theft auto."
Jasper slowly reached into his pocket and handed the keys to the agent. He watched as his pride, his status, and his dignity were driven away.
