Evelyn clicked a button, and the massive projector screen lowered. Instead of financial spreadsheets, it displayed a split-screen video feed. On the left was the kitchen security footage of Daniel striking me, followed by his arrest. On the right was a live, verified bank ledger showing a series of systematic, unauthorized transfers—amounting to seven million dollars—from Cole Hospitality’s employee pension fund directly into a private account under Vanessa’s name.
The room went dead silent. Vanessa’s phone slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly against the floor.
“That’s corporate embezzlement, grand larceny, and fraud,” I said quietly, looking directly at Margaret. “Daniel is currently being held without bail because of his history of domestic violence, which Rosa and his former fiancée have now fully documented. And as for you three? You have exactly ten minutes to sign over your remaining nominal shares in Cole Hospitality for one dollar, or Evelyn releases this entire file to the federal prosecutors waiting downstairs.”
Arthur looked at his lawyers. The lead attorney slowly closed his briefcase, stood up, and avoided Arthur’s eyes. “We advise you to sign,” the lawyer whispered.
Margaret’s regal facade shattered. She dropped to her knees, grasping at the edge of my desk. “Please, Victoria. We will leave. We will disappear. Just don’t ruin us. Don’t take everything.”
“You took everything from the women before me,” I said, stepping back from her reach. “Sign.”
