Chapter 10 - Swept Away
Within thirty minutes, the boardroom had become an execution chamber for the Vance dynasty.
Three corporate attorneys from Sterling Global entered, along with two federal marshals in plainclothes. Julian sat crumpled on the floor, weeping openly, the swagger of the proud Greenwich heir stripped away until nothing remained but a pathetic, terrified little boy.
"Sign the asset surrender, Julian," Arthur commanded, standing over him like an ancient god of judgment. "Sign it, or the federal marshals arrest you right here in front of the press corps Claire has assembled in the lobby."
Julian’s hand shook so violently he could barely hold the pen. Tears fell onto the parchment as he scribbled his signature on the deed transfers, surrendering the Vance estate, the Hamptons cottage, the family jewelry, and the firm’s operating accounts.
Eleanor was hysterical, screaming curses one moment and begging for mercy the next, clinging to Julian’s arm as the security guards stepped forward to escort them out the service elevator.
"You witch!" Eleanor spat at me, her eyes wild with madness as the guards hauled her toward the doors. "You destroyed us! You hid in our house like a viper!"
"I didn't destroy you, Eleanor," I said, standing up and looking down at her from the head of the table. "Your own cruelty destroyed you. You thought money gave you the right to treat people like dirt. Now you have neither."
The heavy doors clicked shut behind them, sealing their fate. The silence returned to the Sterling boardroom, clean and quiet.
Arthur walked over and placed a warm, heavy hand on my shoulder. "It’s done, sweetheart. The Vance name is erased from the financial district. You're free."
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I let out a breath I had been holding for three long years. The pain beneath my high collar still stung, but the invisible cage around my heart was gone. "Thank you, Dad."
"Now," Arthur said with a small, knowing smile. "Let’s get you settled into your new office. As Chief Executive, you have a mountain of Vance assets to reallocate to charitable housing foundations."
