Chapter 8 - The Boardroom Execution
In the downtown high-rise where Preston’s marketing firm operated,
the tension was reaching a boiling point.
Preston was standing at the head of the conference table,
presenting a digital slideshow to executives from Vanguard Logistics.
Vanguard was one of Thomas’s largest companies,
a multi-million dollar contract Preston desperately needed to secure.
"Our strategy will elevate your brand to new heights,"
Preston boasted,
adjusting his tie with practiced confidence.
Suddenly,
the glass doors of the boardroom opened,
and a woman in a plain grey suit walked in.
Preston’s assistant tried to stop her,
but the woman ignored her,
walking straight toward the head of the table.
"Preston Harrison?"
the woman asked loudly,
interrupting his presentation.
"I'm in the middle of a vital meeting,"
Preston snapped,
his face flushing with sudden anger.
"Leave immediately."
"You've been served,"
the woman announced,
dropping a thick stack of legal documents right onto his laptop keyboard.
"Divorce petition,
emergency asset freeze,
and a temporary restraining order filed by Maya Lin."
The room fell dead silent,
the executives from Vanguard staring at the documents in shock.
The representative from Vanguard,
a close associate of my father,
slowly stood up from his chair.
"Is this the kind of stability your firm offers,
Preston?"
the executive asked,
his voice dripping with disappointment.
"This is a mistake,
a misunderstanding,"
Preston stammered,
his hands shaking as he tried to hide the paperwork.
"We will be terminating our current contract review effective immediately,"
the executive stated,
gathering his things.
"Vanguard does not associate with individuals facing these kinds of domestic allegations."
The executives walked out,
leaving Preston alone in the grand room with his ruined reputation and the legal papers.
He looked down at the top page,
May you like
seeing my name next to the word "Plaintiff,"
and the reality finally crashed down upon him.
