Chapter 5 - The Corporate Takeover
Two days later, the news of the Ashford family scandal exploded across national television networks and social media platforms. Headlines blared: “ASHFORD EMPIRE CRUMBLING: HEIR AND MOTHER ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HEIRESS EMILY ASHFORD.”
In the corporate boardroom of Ashford Global on the forty-fifth floor of Wall Street, the atmosphere was suffocating. The fifteen board members sat in tense silence around a massive mahogany table.
At the head of the table sat Harold Ashford, looking exhausted, aged ten years, and desperately trying to maintain control of his company as stock prices plummeted thirty percent in forty-eight hours.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the board," Harold announced, tapping his microphone with trembling fingers. "While my son and wife are dealing with false allegations, I assure you that Ashford Global remains financially stable. I request an emergency vote of confidence to maintain my position as Chairman."
Before any board member could raise their hand, the heavy double doors of the boardroom were pushed open.
A team of four private security guards in sharp suits stepped into the room, parting to make way for a wheelchair.
Sitting gracefully in the wheelchair was Emily, wearing an immaculate black designer suit, her dark wavy hair pulled back into a sleek, commanding ponytail. Her left leg, still held rigid in the white cast and metal frame, rested on an elevated support.
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Beside her walked Marcus Vance, the most feared corporate defense and takeover attorney in New York.
"I'm afraid Mr. Ashford's request is out of order," Marcus Vance announced loudly, tossing a thick blue bound legal ledger onto the center of the conference table.
