Chapter 3 - The Boardroom Guillotine
Julian walked into the glass-walled conference room of Zenith Tech on Tuesday morning feeling like a king. He was wearing a new Rolex—likely bought with the company credit card—and grinning at his board of directors.
"Gentlemen," Julian announced, clapping his hands together. "The prototype is ready. Once our primary investor signs off on the final release of the funds today, we scale globally."
"I'm glad you're so confident, Julian."
The voice came from the back of the room.
Julian froze. Sitting in the leather chair in the shadows was Arthur Vance, flanking my father, Richard Vanguard.
Julian swallowed hard. He recognized Richard Vanguard from the covers of Forbes and Fortune magazines, but he had never met the man in person.
"Mr. Vanguard," Julian stammered, quickly buttoning his suit jacket. "It is an absolute honor. I didn't realize you were the head of the holding company. We are thrilled to have you here."
"Sit down, Julian," my father commanded. It wasn't a request.
Julian slowly sank into his chair, the color beginning to drain from his face as he noticed the thick stacks of financial documents Arthur was sliding across the table.
"We performed a forensic audit of Zenith Tech yesterday," Arthur began, adjusting his glasses. "It appears you have been using company funds for personal expenses. First-class flights to Aspen. Diamond jewelry. A two-hundred-thousand-dollar renovation on a house you recently transferred to a Miss Serena Vance."
Julian started sweating profusely. "I... I can explain that. It’s an accounting error. I was going to reimburse the company—"
"You embezzled from Vanguard Holdings," my father interrupted, his voice dropping to a deadly calm. "That is a federal crime."
"Please," Julian begged, looking around at his board members, who were all staring at him in horrified silence. "I’ll pay it back. I’ll step down as CEO if I have to. Just please, don't pull the funding."
"Oh, I’m not pulling the funding," my father said, standing up and buttoning his coat. "I’m calling in the debt. Immediately. Since you cannot pay, I am seizing all of your shares. You no longer own this company, Julian. You are terminated. Security will escort you out."
Julian stood up, panic completely taking over his features. "You can't do this! You don't even know me! Why are you doing this to me?"
My father walked to the door, paused, and looked back over his shoulder.
May you like
"Because my daughter, Clara Vanguard, is currently recovering in my home. And nobody disrespects my family."
The realization hit Julian like a physical blow. His knees buckled, and he collapsed back into his chair, his mouth hanging open in sheer, unadulterated horror.
