Chapter 5 - The Walls Close In
The corporate headquarters of my father’s construction firm was a towering glass building in the center of the city.
Dad had built it from the ground up. He used to bring me here on weekends when I was a little girl, showing me blueprints and teaching me how to balance ledgers before I even knew algebra.
When I arrived in the lobby, flanked by Elena, Agent Vance, and four uniformed federal marshals, the receptionist dropped her pen.
"M-Mrs. Vance? I mean, ma'am?" she stammered. She hadn't seen me in the office since the funeral.
"Good morning, Sarah," I said warmly. "Are the investors in the boardroom?"
"Yes, ma'am. Mr. Derek and his mother are in there with them. They left strict instructions not to be disturbed."
"I think we'll make an exception today," Elena said smoothly.
We rode the glass elevator up to the 40th floor. My heart hammered against my ribs, not out of fear, but out of pure anticipation.
Every bruise on my body felt like a badge of honor. I had survived them. I had outsmarted them.
The marshals took their positions by the fire exits and the main lobby doors, ensuring nobody could leave the floor. Agent Vance nodded to me.
"Your show," Vance whispered. "Give the signal when you're ready."
Through the frosted glass doors of the boardroom, I could hear Derek's booming, charismatic voice.
"This company has a rich history," Derek was saying to the private equity investors. "But under my leadership, we are looking toward a modern, streamlined future. The buyout offer you've presented is more than fair."
"And what about your wife?" one of the investors asked. "As the heir, her signature is required for a complete transfer of assets."
"My wife is... unfortunately, very unwell," Derek said, his voice dripping with fake sympathy.
"She has struggled deeply with her mental health since her father's passing. She has given me full power of attorney to make these decisions on her behalf."
"Has she?" I asked.
I pushed the heavy glass doors open.
The hinges let out a soft hiss. The entire room went dead silent.
May you like
Derek froze mid-sentence, the laser pointer in his hand dropping to the table with a clatter.
Marlene, sitting at the head of the table sipping sparkling water, choked.
