Chapter 13
The towering glass skyscraper of Vance Biotech stood ominously in the heart of Boston's financial district.
A mob of news reporters and camera crews crowded the granite plaza outside the main entrance.
A sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb, flanked by two federal law enforcement escorts.
The rear door opened, and Evelyn stepped out onto the pavement wearing an elegant emerald suit.
Gasps rippled through the crowd as reporters realized the paralyzed heiress was walking on her own feet.
Camera flashes exploded like lightning as Evelyn strode purposefully toward the revolving glass doors.
Elena and Leo walked beside her, protected by a team of federal marshals clearing a path.
Inside the opulent marble lobby, corporate security guards stood in silent, uneasy formation.
The acting CEO of Vance Biotech, a stern man named Richard Croft, stepped out of the executive elevator.
"Miss Sterling, you are not authorized to be on these premises," Croft stated coldly.
Evelyn pulled an official federal court order from her leather briefcase and handed it to him.
"As majority shareholder of Sterling Enterprises, I have seized all assets of Vance Biotech," Evelyn declared.
"You and your board are being relieved of your duties effective immediately."
Croft's face darkened as he glanced at the federal judge's signature on the document.
"You don't know what you're doing, Evelyn," Croft warned in a hushed, menacing tone.
"The research in this building goes far beyond your father's small experiments."
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"Then I suggest you pack your desk before the FBI agents behind me start asking questions," Evelyn countered smoothly.
She pushed past him, leading her team directly toward the private executive elevator bank.
