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CHAPTER 98
"I want to see the legal team. Now."Gerald stood in the lobby of Sterling Global headquarters. His face was red. His hands were shaking.The receptionist looked uncomfortable. "Sir, I am not sure if—""I do not care what you are sure about. Get me the legal team. Immediately."The receptionist picked up the phone and made a quick call. Two minutes later, a woman in a dark suit appeared."Mr. Whitmore," she said. "I am Rachel from the legal department. How can I help you?""I need to see the termination documents. All of them."Rachel hesitated. "Sir, those documents are confidential—""I am a board member of this company. I have the right to review any documents that affect my employment.""Actually, sir, you were a board member. Your termination was finalized this morning."Gerald felt his jaw tighten. "Then show me the documents that finalized it."Rachel looked at him for a long moment. Then she nodded. "Follow me."They walked through the building to the legal department. Rachel
CHAPTER 97
Patricia stared at her phone screen. The email had arrived at 6:47 AM. She read it three times before it sank in. TERMINATION NOTICE She called Howard immediately. Her hands were shaking so badly she almost dropped the phone. "Howard, did you—" "Yes," he said. His voice was flat. "I got it too." "This cannot be real. Someone is playing a joke." "It is not a joke. I already called HR. They confirmed it." Patricia sat down heavily on her couch. "But who would... Gerald said Claire denied doing it." "I know." "Then who?" Howard did not answer. Patricia ended the call and immediately dialed another board member. A woman named Linda. Linda answered on the first ring. "Patricia?" "Did you get—" "Yes. Twenty minutes ago." Patricia felt her chest tighten. "How many of us?" "I do not know. Let me check." Patricia waited. She could hear Linda typing on her computer. "Five of us so far," Linda said. "You, me, Howard, Gerald, and Thomas." "Five board members fired in one morni
CHAPTER 96
Claire could not take it anymore.She stepped forward, pushing through the crowd toward Ethan. Her face was flushed. Angry."That is enough!" she said loudly.The applause died down. People turned to look at her."This is completely unacceptable," Claire continued. "You do not treat people like this. I do not care what your opinions are—"Ethan raised his hand slightly.Just a small gesture. But it stopped her mid-sentence.Claire looked at him. "Ethan—""It is fine," he said quietly."No, it is not—""Claire." His voice was calm. "It is fine."She stared at him. He was still smiling that same quiet smile.Ethan pulled out his phone and walked toward the exit.Claire watched him go. Nobody else paid attention. The crowd was already turning back to Gerald at the podium. The event continued like nothing had happened.Ethan stepped outside into the empty hallway.He stood there for a moment. Then he unlocked his phone and made one call.The automated system answered immediately."Sterlin
CHAPTER 95
Gerald was not finished.He stood at the podium, looking out at the crowd with a satisfied expression. The humiliation of Ethan had gone exactly as planned. Now it was time to go after Claire."Ladies and gentlemen," Gerald said. "I want to address something that has been concerning the board for quite some time."The room went quiet again."As you all know, Sterling Global has faced some challenges recently. Our stock has been volatile. Investor confidence has wavered. And there have been questions about how company resources are being allocated."Claire stiffened. She knew where this was going.Gerald continued. "The board has conducted an internal review. And what we found is... troubling."He pulled out a document. Held it up for everyone to see."This is a summary of expenses over the past six months. Expenses that were authorized by our CEO, Miss Claire Sterling."Patricia stepped forward. "What we discovered is that a significant portion of company funds have been directed towa
CHAPTER 93
The Grand Riverside Hotel ballroom was packed.Six hundred people filled the space. Employees in formal attire. Investors in expensive suits. Journalists with cameras and notebooks. Everyone was there for Sterling Global's thirtieth anniversary celebration.And to see the chairman finally revealed.Ethan arrived at 7:15 PM. He wore a simple black suit. Nothing flashy. He walked through the entrance alone.People noticed him immediately. Whispers started spreading through the crowd."That is him.""The ex-convict.""Why is he here?"Ethan ignored them. He walked toward the far side of the ballroom where Claire was standing with a group of investors.She saw him and her expression tightened. Worried.Ethan gave her a small nod. I am fine.Claire did not look convinced.Gerald was on the stage at the front of the ballroom. He tapped the microphone."Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate thirty years of Sterling Global excellence."Polite applause."Tonight
CHAPTER 93
Gerald called a private meeting the next morning.Only board members. No Claire.They met at Gerald's private office downtown. Expensive furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows. The kind of place where power moves were planned.Patricia arrived first. Then Howard. Then the other five board members filed in one by one.Gerald waited until everyone was seated. Then he closed the door."We have one week," he said. "Claire is either going to introduce the chairman or she is not. Either way, we need to be ready."Howard nodded. "What are you thinking?""I am thinking we force her hand. Publicly."Patricia frowned. "How?"Gerald walked to his desk and pulled out a folder. "We organize a company-wide event. Something big. Formal. We invite employees, investors, media. Make it look like a celebration.""A celebration of what?" one of the other board members asked."Sterling Global's anniversary. Thirty years in business. We frame it as a milestone event."Howard caught on immediately. "And we use
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