Chapter 4 - Panic on the VIP Floor
Back at the Halcyon Hotel ballroom, the air felt suffocatingly dense as reporters began snapping flash photos of Nora’s bruised shoulder and the black contract folder in her hands.
Julian felt his knees shaking violently inside his linen trousers. He took three desperate strides toward the edge of the lit stage, reaching out his hands in a frantic, humiliated plea.
"Nora, please... let’s talk about this privately!" Julian whispered loudly in panic, his forehead glistening with nervous sweat under the bright lights. "You're making a scene! You're ruining the merger!"
Nora didn't move an inch. She didn't flinch, nor did she lower her gaze. She simply stood elevated above him, looking down with absolute disdain.
"There is no merger, Julian," Nora replied, her voice projected through the surround-sound system so all two hundred corporate investors could hear every word clearly. "Price Logistics is currently under federal investigation for wire fraud and asset concealment. And as majority owner, I have officially canceled the deal."
Gasps echoed through the crowd once more.
Camilla, standing beside the shattered glass on the carpet, turned deathly pale. She clutched her red silk dress, her eyes wide with terror as she backed away from Julian.
"What?!" Camilla stammered, her voice squeaking in high-pitched panic. "Julian, you told me your wife had no power! You said she signed the transfer papers!"
"Shut up, Camilla!" Julian snapped, turning around in wild desperation before spinning back to face the stage. "Malcolm, this is illegal! You can't let her do this! I am the Chief Executive Officer of Aurelia!"
Malcolm Reed stepped up beside Nora, his grey beard tight with disgust as he looked down at Julian.
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"Effective immediately, Mr. Vance," Malcolm announced in a firm, authoritative tone that silenced the room, "you are relieved of all executive duties."
👉 Click to continue reading as Nora reveals the evidence inside her black folder.
