Chapter 16 - The Funeral and the Storm
Harold Grant’s funeral was a massive state event held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Midtown Manhattan.
Dignitaries, foreign ambassadors, aviation titans, and thousands of ordinary airport workers lined the snowy streets to pay their respects.
Ethan stood near the front alter, dressed in a black suit, holding his sister Lily’s hand as the archbishop delivered the eulogy.
Across the aisle sat Arthur Pendelton and the hostile board members, their faces cold and unreadable behind dark sunglasses.
The moment the service concluded and guests began leaving, Arthur walked up to Ethan on the cathedral steps.
"My deepest condolences, Ethan," Arthur said, his voice entirely devoid of any genuine warmth or sympathy.
"Harold was a great man, but his era has officially come to an end."
"An emergency board meeting has been called for 4:00 PM today at corporate headquarters."
"You don't need to bother attending, Ethan," Arthur added with a cold, mocking smirk.
"The federal marshals will be waiting in your office to arrest you for grand larceny and wire fraud."
Ethan stared at Arthur, his blue eyes showing zero trace of fear or panic despite the sudden, terrifying accusation.
May you like
"I'll be at that meeting, Arthur," Ethan replied calmly, adjusting his dark tie against the cold winter wind.
"And I suggest you make sure your own legal team is present."
