Chapter 3 - The Hostile Takeover
The reality of Marcus's words hit me harder than the divorce ever did.
My charitable foundation was the only thing I had ever truly cared about building.
I had spent seven years raising millions of dollars to build shelters for victims of domestic abuse.
"What have you done to my charity, Marcus?" I demanded, stepping past my weeping ex-husband.
Marcus handed the baby back to a thoroughly relieved Sienna.
"When Julian divorced you, the court awarded him half of your marital assets, including your voting shares in the foundation," Marcus explained smoothly.
"Since Julian is a complete idiot, he gave me full power of attorney over his finances."
Julian looked up from the floor, his eyes red and swollen.
"You told me you were protecting my assets from Clara's lawyers!" Julian yelled at his brother.
"I was protecting them for myself, you pathetic fool," Marcus laughed coldly.
Sienna stepped closer to Marcus, slipping her arm affectionately through his.
"We have been planning this since the day you introduced me to Clara," she confessed to Julian without an ounce of shame.
I felt physically sick, realizing that every single friendship and family tie had been nothing but a long con.
"You cannot legally liquidate a non-profit organization without the founder's original charter," I stated, trying to keep my voice steady.
Marcus raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by my knowledge of corporate law.
"That is exactly why Sienna convinced Julian to steal your personal safe from the house during the divorce," he replied.
"We have the original charter, Clara, and we just transferred fifty million dollars to a private offshore account."
I stood frozen in the hospital hallway as Marcus and Sienna turned to walk away.
"You will never get away with this," Julian screamed after them, completely broken.
Marcus paused at the elevator bank and looked back at us.
"We already have, little brother," he smiled as the doors slid shut.
I turned back to Dr. Vance, who was quietly observing the disaster.
"I need your help, Audrey," I whispered desperately.
May you like
The doctor nodded slowly and reached into his pocket once more.
"I have something that belongs to you, Clara, and it changes everything."
