Chapter 6 - The Boardroom Slaughter
The transition of power wasn't just a corporate takeover; it was a surgical extraction.
Within forty-eight hours, the Sterling name was wiped from the facade of the building in downtown. The massive gold letters were unceremoniously lowered by cranes while news helicopters circled above like vultures.
I sat in my new office—formerly Olivia’s—watching the letters come down through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Marcus knocked gently before entering.
“The board has unanimously approved your restructuring plan, Clara,” he said, taking a seat across from my desk. “We’re liquidating the toxic assets and funneling the capital into our green energy sector.”
“And the Sterlings?” I asked, signing off on a digital contract without looking up.
“Olivia’s trial is set for the fall. Her public defender is trying to secure a plea deal, but the feds want her for a full five-year sentence in minimum security. She tried to use her country club membership to pay for groceries yesterday. They escorted her off the premises.”
I paused my pen.
“And Ethan?”
Marcus smirked slightly. “He got a job.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Really? Doing what?”
“He’s a junior sales associate at a used car dealership in New Jersey. Apparently, his resume wasn't as impressive without his mother’s last name shielding him.”
A sense of absolute closure washed over me.
I hadn't ruined them. I had simply forced them to live in the real world—the world they had mocked my parents for inhabiting. I had stripped away the armor of money that protected their cruelty, leaving them to face the consequences of their own character.
“Good,” I said simply. “Let’s close the file on them, Marcus. I have a company to run.”
“Yes, Boss,” he nodded.
As he turned to leave, he paused at the door.
“By the way, Clara,” he added softly. “Your father called. He wanted to know if you were coming to Sunday dinner. He said he’s making his famous pot roast.”
May you like
The ice that had surrounded my heart for the past few days instantly melted.
“Tell him I’ll be there,” I smiled. “And tell him to make extra.”
