Chapter 10 - Flight to Florida
At 8:15 AM, a twin-engine military transport aircraft lifted off from Bradley International Airport, roaring south toward Florida.
Inside the cabin, Richard sat beside Maria and Leo, reviewing corporate bylaws on a secure federal laptop.
Leo was happily drawing an American flag on a pad of paper, his spirits lifted by Maria's constant, soothing presence.
"How are you holding up, Maria?" Richard asked gently, noticing her staring out the small oval window.
"I'm just thinking about my family back in Texas," Maria confessed quietly.
"When I took this job two years ago, I thought I was just going to be a nanny for a sweet boy."
"I never imagined I would end up fighting a billionaire dynasty."
Richard reached over and placed his hand gently over hers on the armrest.
"You're not fighting them alone anymore, Maria. I promise you that."
Maria looked into Richard's earnest eyes, sensing a deep, genuine bond formed through shared trial.
Agent Jenkins walked up from the cockpit, holding a encrypted military radio headset.
"Commander, we just intercepted a communication from the corporate headquarters in downtown Miami," Jenkins reported.
"Eleanor has called a special shareholder vote for 11:30 AM at the Brickell Financial Center."
"She brought in her personal team of attorneys to certify your absence as an official resignation."
Richard checked the flight altitude meter on the bulkhead screen; they were flying over the South Carolina coastline.
"Tell the pilots to push the engines to maximum throttle," Richard commanded.
"We're going to crash that board meeting before she signs a single document."
Maria looked at Leo, her determination reignited like an unwavering flame.
"We won't let her steal his future, Mr. Vance," Maria said firmly.
May you like
"Call me Richard," he replied with a soft, confident smile.
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