Chapter 17 - The Boardroom Purge
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While Elena managed the Foundation, Luca returned his focus to the towering glass monolith of Costello Industries. The transition from a ruthless, underground empire to a fully legitimate, transparent global corporation required a massive internal cleansing. There were still executives within his ranks who missed the old, brutal ways of doing business.
Luca sat at the head of the massive mahogany conference table. The room was tense, the air thick with unspoken anxiety. Seated to his right was David Harrington, a senior Vice President of Logistics who had been pushing for aggressive, illegal buyout tactics against a smaller competitor.
"Mr. Costello," David began, his tone carrying a hint of arrogant condescension. "If we don't utilize the offshore leverage against this supply chain, our quarterly margins will dip by four percent. In the old days, we wouldn't have hesitated to crush them."
Luca leaned back in his high-backed leather chair. He rested his hands calmly on his custom crutches, looking at David with a cold, unblinking stare that made the temperature in the room drop ten degrees.
"The old days are dead, David," Luca stated, his voice quiet but echoing with absolute authority. "And I suggest you bury your nostalgia for them immediately."
"Sir, I am only thinking of the shareholders—"
"You are thinking of your personal bonus," Luca interrupted smoothly. "I spent twelve years paralyzed because men like Victor Sterling believed that greed and cruelty were acceptable business strategies. I did not reclaim this company to repeat their mistakes."
David swallowed hard, shrinking back into his tailored suit. "I understand, sir. We will adjust the strategy."
"No, you won't," Luca corrected, sliding a heavily redacted folder across the table toward the Vice President. "My internal auditors reviewed your division last night. You have been intentionally funneling company resources to intimidate local unions. You are a liability to the ethical standard of this corporation."
"You can't do this!" David sputtered, his face turning pale. "I built the logistics network!"
"And you poisoned it," Luca replied, completely unfazed. "You are terminated, effective immediately. Security will escort you to your office to collect your personal belongings. If you attempt to contact our competitors or leak company secrets, my lawyers will ensure you spend the next decade in federal court."
May you like
Marcus, standing silently by the boardroom door, stepped forward and opened it wide. David stood up, his hands shaking with impotent rage, and walked out without another word. Luca looked around the table at the remaining, stunned executives.
"Let me be perfectly clear," Luca announced, his eyes sweeping the room. "We will be the most profitable corporation in this city, but we will do it in the light. Anyone who prefers the shadows can follow David out the door."
