Chapter 13 - The Boardroom Reckoning
By morning, the attack on the Vale estate had become public.
News helicopters circled the property. Reporters crowded outside Vale Meridian Tower. Anonymous documents exposing the Hawthorne Project spread across the internet.
Nathaniel could no longer contain the scandal.
The company’s board called an emergency meeting to remove him.
Nathaniel arrived with Ruby, June, Sebastian, Gabriel, Claire, Marcus, and three federal investigators.
The board members protested when Ruby entered.
“This is not a place for a child,” Edmund Crane said through a video connection from Switzerland.
Ruby placed the eviction notice on the table.
“A child is why you’re here.”
Nathaniel took the seat at the head of the table.
“For thirty years, this board praised me when the numbers rose. None of you asked whose homes were taken to produce those numbers.”
Victoria’s empty chair remained near the window.
Silas’s seat was surrounded by investigators.
Gabriel refused to sit.
Nathaniel continued.
“Effective immediately, every eviction connected to Hawthorne Residential Holdings is canceled. Every tenant removed through fraudulent action will be offered restoration, compensation, and legal support.”
One board member stood.
“You cannot make that decision without a vote.”
Nathaniel placed the family trust documents on the table.
“I own sixty-two percent of voting shares. I do not require your permission.”
“You transferred those shares years ago.”
“To a trust controlled by my daughter.”
Edmund’s image froze.
Nathaniel noticed.
“You knew about Elara’s trust.”
The connection suddenly ended.
Federal investigators traced Edmund’s location.
He was not in Switzerland.
He was in an office three floors below them.
Marcus brought him into the boardroom ten minutes later.
Edmund’s confident expression disappeared when he saw Ruby.
“You were supposed to be removed from the apartment quietly,” he muttered.
Nathaniel rose.
“You authorized the eviction.”
Edmund realized his mistake.
Silas had used Gabriel’s credentials, but Edmund had supervised the operation.
The investigators placed him under arrest.
Edmund laughed.
“You think this ends because you found an old man behind a false video screen?”
“No,” Nathaniel said. “I think it begins with you.”
The boardroom screens activated.
Elara’s evidence appeared: bank transfers, forged authorizations, recorded conversations, and images of displaced families.
Edmund watched the files unfold.
“The Architect will erase all of this.”
“Copies were sent to every major regulator and news organization ten minutes ago,” Sebastian replied.
For the first time, Edmund looked afraid.
Ruby walked toward him.
“Why did you want our apartment?”
Edmund stared at her.
“Because your mother hid the final ledger there.”
“We found the ledger.”
“No, you found the evidence she wanted you to find.”
Nathaniel’s expression tightened.
“What is the final ledger?”
Edmund smiled.
“The document that proves who owns Vale Meridian.”
“I own it.”
“Your father built the company with stolen property, hidden Cross money, and a legal identity that never belonged to him.”
Nathaniel stepped closer.
“Speak clearly.”
“Augustus Vale was not your biological father.”
The room went silent.
Sebastian looked at Nathaniel.
Gabriel closed his eyes as though he had expected this moment.
Edmund continued.
“The final ledger contains the original ownership agreement. The true heir is not a Vale.”
His gaze shifted to Ruby.
“It is her father.”
Nathaniel looked at Gabriel.
“Lucas Cross.”
Edmund laughed.
“Lucas was only another name.”
The lights flickered.
A fire alarm sounded.
Federal agents moved toward Edmund, but the windows darkened as the building entered emergency lockdown.
A voice came through the boardroom speakers.
“Thank you for gathering every heir in one room.”
May you like
The doors sealed.
Gas began flowing through the ventilation system.
