Chapter 9 - THE UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
By nine o'clock that morning, news of the Sterling empire collapse dominated every major television network across the United States.
Wall Street reacted violently, with Sterling Global stock plunging forty percent within the first ten minutes of the opening bell.
Inside the legal offices of Vance & Partners on Wall Street, Ethan sat at a glass conference table with his legal team.
"Julian Sterling has just filed an emergency injunction in New York Supreme Court to reclaim Clara's trust assets," his lead attorney stated.
"On what grounds?" Ethan asked, leaning forward with his elbows on the table, his dark suit crisp despite the lack of sleep.
"He is claiming Clara signed a binding liability waiver when she turned eighteen in exchange for her college tuition," the attorney explained.
Clara walked into the conference room, wearing a tailored cream blazer over a black silk top, her blonde hair pulled into a neat ponytail.
"I never signed a waiver," Clara stated firmly, placing a leather folder onto the glass table.
"Eleanor forged my signature when I was living in the dorms at Columbia University," Clara revealed, pulling out a handwriting analysis report.
"This report proves the signature on the 2018 waiver was executed by Eleanor’s personal secretary," Clara added smoothly.
Ethan looked up at her, a proud, sharp smile appearing on his face as he realized how thoroughly she had anticipated every move.
May you like
"Then we don't just fight the injunction," Ethan declared, standing up from his chair. "We counter-sue Julian directly for corporate fraud."
***
