Chapter 7: The Storming of the Castle
The Annual Bennett Shareholder Gala was meant to be Julian Vance’s coronation. With Victoria in the hospital and Chloe sidelined, Julian stood at the podium in the grand ballroom—the very same room where Emily had fallen into the cake—announcing his bid for absolute chairmanship.
"Due to family tragedies, the Bennett lineage can no longer effectively lead," Julian announced to a room full of wealthy investors and flash photography. "I am calling for an immediate vote to restructuring—"
The massive double doors of the ballroom slammed open.
The room went dead silent. Cameras pivoted.
Walking down the center aisle was Victoria Bennett, pale but standing tall, supported on one side by Chloe, and on the other by Emily Parker. Emily was not wearing a uniform; she wore a simple, elegant dark suit, and on her wrist, glinting fiercely under the crystal chandeliers, was her mother's silver ring.
"This meeting is out of order," Victoria’s voice echoed with absolute authority.
Julian turned white. "Victoria, you are medically unfit—"
"I am perfectly well," Victoria countered, stepping to the stage. "And you are fired."
Julian laughed nervously. "You don't have the shares to oust me alone, Victoria. The board stands with me."
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Emily stepped forward, pulling the legal binder Arthur Sterling had given her, along with her mother's original birth certificate. "She isn't alone. I am Emily Parker, daughter of Sarah Parker. I hold the active rights to the Bennett Legacy Trust. Combined with Victoria and Chloe’s shares, we hold sixty-four percent of this company. Julian Vance, you are being removed for corporate fraud, embezzlement, and illegal suppression of asset distribution."
Federal agents, tipped off by Arthur Sterling hours earlier, stepped out from the crowd, handcuffs ready. The ballroom exploded into a frenzy of camera flashes as Julian was led away in disgrace.
