Chapter 9 - The Renewal VerdictBefore Harrison or Victoria could make another excuse, two uniformed police officersâwho had been stationed outside for event securityâstepped forward onto the ballroom floor.
âHarrison Vance and Victoria Sterling,â Richard declared coldly into the microphone. âYou are fired from the foundation board effective immediately, and I am filing formal charges for corporate embezzlement and fraud.â
The guests erupted into applause as officers escorted Harrison and Victoria out of the estate in full view of local news cameras!
Diane stood frozen on stage, her face completely drained of color, realizing her own sister had dragged their family name through absolute humiliation.
Richard turned to Imogen, stepping down from the podium. He took the young girlâs trembling hands in his own with deep, profound respect.
âImogen,â Richard said warmly, his voice carrying genuine emotion. âYour mother built an honorable business. Tonight, you saved this foundation from wolves.â
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Richard pulled out his personal pen, writing a check on his trustee pad and handing it to Imogen on the spot.
âThis is a ten-year exclusive catering contract for Reyes Catering,â Richard announced to the cheering crowd. âAnd a fifty-thousand-dollar bonus for your motherâs fifteen years of loyal service.â
