Chapter 3 - The Boardroom
The Sterling Enterprises annual board meeting was the crown jewel of Richard Sterling’s year. It was held in the glass-walled penthouse conference room of their downtown headquarters.
This year was supposed to be a coronation. Richard was stepping down as CEO, officially handing the reins to Julian. Valerie sat smugly in the corner of the room, wearing a tailored designer suit, holding the files that would secure her son's future as the new Sterling heir.
At exactly 10:00 a.m., Julian stood at the head of the massive mahogany table, raising a glass of sparkling water.
“Gentlemen, today marks a new era for our family,” Julian began, his charismatic smile in full force.
The heavy glass doors of the boardroom swung open.
I did not knock. I walked in wearing a pristine, ivory power suit, my hair pulled back into a sharp twist. Behind me walked Sylvia Croft, flanked by three forensic auditors carrying briefcases. Hazel remained in the lobby, safely holding Clara, surrounded by private security.
The room fell dead silent.
Julian’s smile vanished. His face drained of color as if he had seen a ghost. “Nora? What the hell are you doing here? Security—”
“Security works for the majority shareholder, Julian,” I interrupted, my voice ringing out, clear and steady. I didn't raise it. I didn't need to. “And currently, you are standing in my seat.”
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Richard Sterling stood up, his face flushing dark red. “Have you lost your mind? Get this woman out of here!”
Sylvia stepped forward, dropping a massive stack of authenticated legal documents onto the polished mahogany. “Richard. I suggest you sit down and read the original founder’s equity agreement of 1996. You’ve enjoyed playing king for thirty years, but you seem to have forgotten that Arthur Croft owned the castle.”
