Chapter 4: The House of Cards Collapses
Panic is a quiet thing when it happens to the wealthy. It doesn't look like screaming or running; it looks like the sudden, cold realization that money can no longer buy a way out.
The board members scrambled to review the documents Jonathan distributed. As their eyes scanned the undeniable proof of Daniel's embezzlement, the loyalty they held for the Carter family evaporated instantly. Loyalty in the corporate world only lasted as long as the profit margins.
"Daniel..." Richard Vance whispered, looking up from the papers with sheer disgust. "You stole from the employee pension fund?"
"It was a temporary loan to myself!" Daniel blurted out, panic making him reckless. "I was going to replace it! It was just until the divorce was finalized so she wouldn't get half!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he froze. He had just confessed in front of twelve board members and his wife's attorney.
Margaret closed her eyes, placing a hand over her face. She knew it was over.
Emma stood tall, watching the man who had tormented her for years unravel in seconds. "You ruined your own grandfather’s legacy just to make sure I was left with nothing," she said, her voice laced with quiet pity. "But you underestimated Arthur Carter. He knew what kind of man you were becoming. That's why he built the failsafe."
Jonathan cleared his throat. "Under the bylaws of Carter Holdings, any executive found guilty of financial misconduct is subject to immediate termination without severance. Furthermore, as the majority shareholder, Mrs. Carter is calling for an immediate vote to remove Daniel Carter from the position of CEO."
Daniel looked around the room frantically. "You can't do this! I am a Carter! I built this company's modern portfolio!"
"All in favor?" Emma asked, ignoring him.
Every single hand in the room went up. Even the men who had golfed with Daniel for a decade raised their hands without hesitation.
"The motion carries," Jonathan stated flatly.
"You're a monster, Emma," Margaret hissed, standing up. "You planned this from the very beginning. You married him for this."
Emma turned her gaze to Margaret. The older woman's bitter, hateful eyes were the same ones that had looked down at Emma on the marble floor just weeks ago.
"I married him because I loved him," Emma said, her voice unwavering. "I stayed because I hoped he would change. I left because he didn't. And I am taking the company because Arthur Carter entrusted it to me to save it from you. Now, I suggest you both pack your offices. Security will escort you out."
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For the first time in his life, Daniel Carter had no response. The smugness, the arrogance, the cruel superiority—all of it was stripped away, leaving behind a small, frightened man. As two security guards placed their hands on his shoulders to guide him toward the door, he looked back at Emma.
She didn't look back. She was already taking her seat at the head of the table.
