Chapter 9 - THE EXECUTIVE SUITE
The private elevator ride to the penthouse executive suite felt like an ascent into a new era of absolute power.
The walls of the mahogany-paneled conference room were lined with portraits of former Vance family patriarchs who had built the empire.
As Victoria walked through the sliding glass doors, all twelve senior board members stood up instantly in unanimous respect.
The whispering and nervous tension that had plagued the company for months vanished into thin air at her presence.
"Please, be seated," Victoria commanded quietly, taking her rightful place at the head of the massive obsidian conference table.
Senior Board Chairman Arthur Pendelton, a man who had secretly backed Julian's coup, cleared his throat nervously.
"V-Victoria... congratulations on securing the controlling interest. We always knew your leadership was... indispensable," Arthur stammered, sweating profusely.
Victoria rested her hands flat on the polished table, leaning forward slightly as her piercing gaze locked onto Arthur.
"Spare me the hollow flattery, Arthur. I know you voted to liquidate my division last Tuesday," Victoria said softly, her words hitting like physical blows.
Arthur's face paled instantly, his pen slipping from his trembling fingers and clattering against the glass tabletop.
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"I assure you, it was merely a strategic hedge under pressure from Julian's illegal threats," Arthur defended himself frantically.
"Pressure is what I am about to apply to every single one of you who thought you could betray Vance Enterprises," Victoria declared evenly.
