Chapter 7 - The Boardroom StormFriday morning arrived with clear, crisp sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of Whitmore Techâs grand boardroom.
Arthur Sterling and Celeste walked into the room flanked by five high-priced corporate attorneys. Arthur wore a smug, victorious expression, while Celeste wore a white suit, looking down her nose at the board members gathered around the table.
âWelcome, Daniel,â Arthur boasted, sitting at the head of the table. âI believe today marks the end of your reign as CEO. As of nine o'clock this morning, Sterling Global controls twenty-one percent of voting shares.â
Celeste smirked, leaning across the table toward Daniel. âI told you youâd regret dumping me for a maid, Daniel. Now I own your company.â
Daniel sat calmly at the other end of the table, sipping his tea. He didn't look worried. He didn't look angry.
âAre you sure you own those shares, Arthur?â Daniel asked softly.
Arthur frowned. âWhat is that supposed to mean? The shares were purchased through Aegis Holdings!â
The heavy boardroom doors opened.
Victoria Vance walked in, accompanied by two special agents from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and two federal marshals.
Arthurâs face drained of color. He stood up, knocking his chair back. âWhat is the meaning of this?!â
âArthur Sterling,â Special Agent Reyes announced, holding up an official federal warrant. âYou are under arrest for federal securities fraud, wire fraud, and illegal offshore tax evasion exceeding forty million dollars through Aegis Holdings.â
Celeste let out a high-pitched shriek as an officer stepped up behind her father, snapping heavy steel handcuffs around Arthurâs wrists.
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âThis is a mistake! My lawyers will fix this!â Arthur screamed as he was pulled away from the table.
Celeste backed against the wall, weeping hysterically, her arrogant kingdom crumbling into dust around her feet.
