Chapter 9 - The Wolf at the Door
"Do it," Evelyn ordered.
For the next two hours, while the plane sliced through the upper atmosphere toward JFK, the First Class cabin became a war room. Madison, fueled by a ferocious desire to protect her father’s new friend and tear down the snakes who had tried to demean them, dismantled Apex’s illegal maneuvering document by document.
"Got it," Madison breathed, turning the screen toward Marcus and Evelyn. "Here is the wire transfer proof. Julian paid Nathan Cole a finder's fee of two million dollars to secure the proxy signatures two days ago. This isn't just corporate sabotage. It’s federal securities fraud."
Evelyn let out a long, cold laugh that sent a shiver down Marcus’s spine. "Julian thought my heart stopped at Gate C-18. He didn't realize it only made my pulse beat faster."
She reached out and patted Madison’s hand with genuine affection. "You have your father’s steel, young lady. And a very dangerous mind. How much does Apex pay you?"
"Eighty-five thousand a year, ma'am," Madison said honestly.
"Starting tomorrow, Vance Worldwide will retain you as our Senior Director of Internal Compliance at four hundred thousand, plus stock options. Provided your father allows me to steal you."
Madison gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. She looked at Franklin, whose eyes were shining with overwhelming pride.
May you like
"She makes her own choices, Evelyn," Franklin smiled, wiping a stray tear from his eye. "Always has."
"Then it's settled," Evelyn said. "Marcus, prepare my helicopter at JFK. We aren't going to the hotel. We’re going straight to the Vance Worldwide Tower boardroom. It’s time to feed the vulture his own medicine."
