Chapter 7: The Final Boardroom Confrontation
The executive boardroom of Vance Enterprises was packed to absolute capacity with shareholders, federal auditors, legal counsel, and investigative reporters. The massive mahogany table where Victoria had once ruled with an iron fist now sat empty at the head, reserved for the defendants who refused to attend. Arthur Vance walked into the room holding little Chloe's hand, while Maya followed closely behind carrying the master trust portfolios.
A collective hush fell over the room as Arthur took his rightful seat at the center, looking out over the assembly with commanding authority. "Today, we close a dark chapter of theft, deception, and moral bankruptcy that temporarily hijacked the soul of this institution," Arthur announced firmly. He gestured to Maya, who stood up and projected the federal indictments and forensic financial audits onto the massive wall-mounted screen.
"Through unauthorized proxy manipulation and forged death certificates, Victoria Vance systematically looted four hundred million dollars from the corporate reserves," Maya stated clearly. She scrolled down to display the verified DNA results and the original founder's charter proving Chloe's untouchable claim to the majority voting shares. The shareholders murmured in disbelief as the sheer scale of the embezzlement was laid bare before their eyes.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the boardroom swung open, and a disheveled Victoria Vance burst into the room accompanied by her court-appointed defense attorney. Out on bail and wearing an electronic ankle monitor, Victoria looked manic, her hair unstyled and her eyes wild with desperate fury. "You can't do this! I built this company into a modern giant while old men slept in their armchairs!" Victoria screamed hysterically.
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Arthur did not even flinch, simply looking at her with cold, immovable pity as federal marshals quietly flanked her on both sides. "You didn't build anything, Victoria; you merely inherited a golden house and spent your days trying to lock the doors from the inside," Arthur replied coldly. He motioned to the marshals, who stepped forward and firmly placed heavy steel handcuffs around Victoria's wrists with a sharp metallic snap.
Victoria thrashed against the restraints, hurling empty threats at the board members who averted their eyes in utter disgust and professional shame. She was hauled out of the boardroom for the final time, her desperate screams fading down the hallway as the elevator doors closed her out. The boardroom remained completely silent for a long moment before the shareholders broke into a thunderous, standing ovation for the rightful heirs.
