Chapter 17 - The 8:00 AM Boardroom Showdown
At precisely 7:55 AM,
the grand mahogany double doors of the executive boardroom on the fortieth floor swung open.
The room was packed.
All twelve members of the Hail Group board of directors sat around the massive conference table,
their expressions tense and anxious.
At the head of the table sat Victor Vance,
his wrists casually resting on the polished wood,
wearing the smug,
self-satisfied grin of a man who believed he had won absolute victory.
Standing beside Vance was a team of corporate litigation attorneys carrying briefcases filled with forfeiture claims.
“Well,
Julian,” Vance announced loudly as Julian walked into the room,
flanked by Arthur and Marcus.
“It is eight minutes before eight o'clock.
”
“The probate trust deadline is practically upon us.
”
“Unless you can magically produce Clara Hail’s missing heir right this very second,
the conglomerate officially passes to my syndicate.
”
“I suggest you clear your desk before the market opens.
”
The board members murmured uneasily among themselves,
casting nervous glances toward Julian.
Julian didn't blink.
He walked slowly to the center of the room,
his face an impenetrable mask of absolute calm.
“You’re right about one thing,
Victor,” Julian said smoothly,
his voice carrying clearly across the silent boardroom.
“Deadlines matter.
”
Vance laughed softly,
shaking his head.
“Spare me the theatrics,
Julian.
”
“Where is the boy?”
“Where is your precious proof?”
May you like
Julian turned toward the boardroom doors and raised his hand in a simple signal.
The heavy oak doors opened once more.
