CHAPTER 2 — The Board Chooses Its Real Leader
The mansion erupted into chaos the second Isabella disappeared through the front doors.
Lucas rushed after her, but two security professionals in black suits stepped between them.
"I'm her husband!" he shouted.
One of them remained expressionless.
"Not in this meeting, sir."
Outside, Isabella entered the waiting SUV without looking back.
Inside the vehicle, her assistant handed her a tablet.
"The emergency board meeting has already started. Every director is waiting for your decision."
She glanced at the screen.
For years she had hidden behind Lucas's public image while quietly financing every expansion, every acquisition, every rescue that kept the company alive.
Tonight, there would be no more shadows.
When Lucas finally arrived at headquarters thirty minutes later, the lobby looked unfamiliar.
Employees who once greeted him confidently now avoided eye contact.
His executive keycard flashed red.
ACCESS DENIED.
"What is this?" he demanded.
The receptionist swallowed nervously.
"Mr. Carter... your executive authorization was revoked ten minutes ago."
Lucas stared at her.
Then toward the executive elevator.
Its doors opened.
Isabella stepped out with the board of directors walking beside her.
Not behind Lucas.
Beside her.
The Chairman quietly announced,
"Effective immediately, Lucas Carter has been removed as Chief Executive Officer."
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Silence filled the lobby.
Lucas could barely breathe.
