Chapter 2 - The Morning of Reckoning
The sun had barely risen over the city when Daniel’s phone began to vibrate violently on the hospital bedside table. It wasn't one call; it was a cascading waterfall of notifications, urgent emails, and panicked texts from his Chief Financial Officer.
Vanessa was asleep, cradling the baby, a smug smile still lingering on her lips. Daniel rubbed his eyes, groggily answering the phone.
"Daniel! Thank God," CFO Marcus stammered, his voice laced with terror. "The corporate accounts... they're gone. Frozen. The primary lines of credit have been recalled by the parent holding company. We can’t even clear payroll for the afternoon shift. What is happening?"
Daniel sat up straight, a cold sweat breaking out across his neck. “Then don’t take anything that belongs to this filthy old woman…” His mother’s parting words echoed like a death knell in his ears.
"It's a mistake, Marcus. Let me handle it," Daniel lied, his voice trembling. He hung up and immediately called his mother. It went straight to voicemail. He called her lawyer, Miriam Cole.
"Ah, Daniel," Miriam answered, her voice as smooth and unyielding as polished marble. "I assumed you'd be calling. As of 6:00 AM, Apex Holdings—of which your mother is the sole proprietor—has exercised its right to foreclose on all uncollateralized loans extended to your firm. Furthermore, the deed to your penthouse has been revoked, as it is owned by the same estate. You have forty-eight hours to vacate."
"She can't do this!" Daniel shouted, forgetting Vanessa and the baby were in the room. "I am the CEO!"
"You are an employee, Daniel," Miriam corrected gently. "An employee who forgot who owned the building. Have a nice day."
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Vanessa stirred, frowning. "Daniel? What's all the noise? You'll wake the baby."
Daniel looked at his wife, the realization of their utter ruin finally washing over him. "Vanessa... my mother. She didn't just threaten us with her pension. She just took everything."
