Part 7: The Emergency Board Meeting
Friday morning arrived with the heavy, tense atmosphere of an execution.
Victor strode into the grand boardroom of Lang & Vale Holdings wearing his confidence like expensive cologne. He was flanked by Lila, who wore a soft, cream-colored maternity dress that looked deliberately tragic and understated. Claudine came last, dressed in a sharp, structured black designer suit—looking very much like a woman attending a funeral that she had personally planned.
The independent directors sat rigidly around the massive, custom-built glass conference table. The air was thick with discomfort; they had all been thoroughly poisoned by Claudine’s whispers over the past two weeks.
Victor smiled warmly at the board, stepping toward the high-backed leather chair situated at the true head of the table. He placed his hands firmly on its back, preparing to assume control.
"Mara, darling," Victor said, his voice dripping with faux-altruism as he looked down at me. "This entire emergency meeting is completely unnecessary. Your condition right now is incredibly delicate. The board is fully prepared to handle the quarterly operational vote without you having to endure the stress."
Before his fingers could grip the leather tighter, I stepped forward and smoothly sat directly into the head chair myself, sliding under his outstretched arms.
I looked up at him, my eyes empty of any marital warmth. "My condition, Victor, has made me exceptionally focused."
Victor let out a soft, condescending chuckle, looking around the room to garner silent support from the directors. "Everyone in this room deeply cares about your well-being, Mara. We just want what's best for you."
May you like
"No, Victor," I replied, leaning back against the leather. "Everyone in this room is about to hear the truth."
I turned my head slightly, giving a sharp nod to my personal attorney standing near the wall. "Light up the screen."
