Chapter 4 - The calm before the storm
The atmosphere in the estate grew electric as Friday approached. Robert practically lived in the house, pacing the halls, making phone calls to shareholders, securing the votes he needed to oust me.
Marcus visited daily, playing the role of the concerned friend. He would sit by my wheelchair, pat my shoulder, and lie directly to my face.
“We’re going to take care of everything, buddy,” Marcus said on Thursday evening, drinking my scotch. “You just focus on your recovery. The company is in good hands.”
“I trust you, Marcus,” I said, making my voice sound weak and defeated. “You’ve always been a good friend.”
He actually smiled. The sheer sociopathy of it was breathtaking.
That night, I called Vance, my attorney, from the secure line.
“Is everything in place?” I asked.
“The SEC has been quietly reviewing the offshore accounts you flagged,” Vance replied. “The embezzlement charges are locked and loaded. The board members are expecting a standard medical proxy vote tomorrow at 10 AM. We’re ready to drop the bomb.”
“Good. I’ll see you in the boardroom.”
I hung up the phone and found Elena standing in the shadows, holding a fresh pot of coffee.
“Are you ready for tomorrow, sir?” she asked quietly.
“I am,” I said. I looked at her, realizing how much I had come to rely on her quiet strength over the last month. She wasn't just a housekeeper anymore. She was my only ally in a house full of vipers.
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“When this is over, Elena, things are going to change. For both of us.”
She offered a small, rare smile. “I’ll press your best suit, Mr. Sterling.”
