Chapter 3: The Legal Execution
Beatrice turned to the room, her voice carrying easily to every corner. "Many of you are here because you have contracts with Sterling Holdings. You believe that Julian is the final authority. You are mistaken."
She gestured to the key. "That key does not open a box of jewelry. It opens the box that contains the 'Revocation of Inheritance' and the 'Transfer of Fiduciary Responsibility.'"
Julian staggered back, knocking over his chair. "You can't do that. The estate is tied up in trusts. You can't just strip me of my shares!"
"I don't have to," Beatrice said, smiling thinly. "You did it yourself. Buried in the fine print of the family charter—the one you refused to read because you were too busy spending the dividends—is a clause regarding 'Moral and Legal Conduct.' It states that any heir who commits an act of violence against a member of the household, witnessed by more than two persons, immediately forfeits their position as beneficiary."
May you like
She looked at the terrified guests. "There are thirty-two witnesses in this room tonight. I believe that is more than enough."
Julian looked around the table. His business partners weren't looking at him with sympathy. They were looking at their phones, calling their lawyers, checking their exposure. They saw the end of his professional life, and they were already calculating how to distance themselves.
