Chapter 6 - The Emergency Meeting"He took the bait," Miriam said over the speakerphone as Claire drove her silver SUV through the downtown traffic. "The bank manager just confirmed Daniel left the vault room in a visible state of panic. The security footage has already been archived and forwarded to the detective handling the domestic battery case."
"What about Vanessa?" Claire asked, adjusting her sunglasses to avoid the glare on her injured cheek.
"Vanessa is currently at the precinct," Miriam replied with a dry chuckle. "She tried to report you for 'unlawful eviction' and 'theft of business opportunities.' The desk sergeant explained that since she has never paid rent, had no lease, and is named as a co-conspirator in an active financial fraud investigation, she should probably stop talking before she gets processed."
"Good. Let them sweat for twenty-four hours," Claire said. "I’m heading to the main office now. The board of directors is waiting for the formal presentation of the restructuring plan."
For eight years, Daniel had told his friends that Claire was a "hobby designer" who liked to make digital layouts for local charities. He had no idea that the local charities were front organizations for a massive real estate development trust worth over fifty million dollars—a trust Claire had been managing personally since her twenty-fifth birthday.
As Claire walked through the glass double doors of the Sterling Headquarters, the entire staff stood up. There were no murmurs about the large bandage on her neck. There was only absolute, professional respect.
May you like
"Good morning, Dr. Sterling," her head of security said, bowing his head slightly. "The board is assembled in Room A. We’ve also received three frantic calls from Mr. Vance’s legal representation asking for an emergency settlement conference."
"Tell them I’m busy," Claire said, not slowing her pace. "They can talk to Miriam on Friday. If they survive until then."
