Chapter 6 - The Boardroom Trap
Friday morning arrived. The atmosphere in the boardroom at the top of the Sterling tower was tense, suffocating, and thick with greed.
Twelve board members sat around the massive glass table. Robert sat at the opposite end of my usual chair, looking incredibly smug in a charcoal suit.
I walked in precisely at 9:00 AM, but I didn't sit down.
"Arthur," Robert said, projecting a fake tone of sympathy. "We all saw the news. We know you are going through a difficult time with Julian's sudden... reappearance. But the company's stock is suffering. We need stability. I am putting forth a motion to appoint myself as interim CEO."
Several board members nodded in agreement, murmuring about shareholder confidence.
"I agree," I said smoothly. "The company needs absolute transparency and stability. Which is why I brought a guest to address the board."
The heavy double doors opened.
Julian Sterling walked into the room. He looked like a billionaire in his prime. He moved with an effortless confidence that commanded absolute silence. The board members, who remembered him only as a brilliant teenager, stared in shock.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Julian said, placing a stack of thick legal binders on the glass table. "My name is Julian Sterling. And I am here to report a massive theft of corporate assets."
Robert's smug smile instantly vanished. He went pale. "What is the meaning of this? He doesn't work here! Security!"
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"Sit down, Robert," I barked, my voice echoing like thunder.
Julian began passing the binders around the table.
