Chapter 5: The Woman Behind the Throne
Elena found Veronica in the executive lounge.
She was seated beside the window, drinking water as though the building did not belong to the woman standing behind her.
“Monarch Ridge,” Elena said.
Veronica set down the glass.
“I wondered when you would find it.”
“Damian believes you’re loyal to him.”
“Damian believes anyone standing near him exists to serve him.”
“You used his companies to weaken Voss Global.”
“I used his ambition. His companies were simply the delivery system.”
Elena moved closer.
“You planted my authorization.”
Veronica smiled faintly.
“That is what investigators believe.”
“What do you believe?”
“That quiet women are dangerous because everyone speaks freely around them.”
Veronica had spent years listening while Damian mocked Elena.
She had watched him reveal confidential information at dinners, in elevators, and during private trips.
She had collected every secret.
“You could have walked away from him,” Elena said.
“And remain his employee?”
“You wanted his empire.”
“I wanted yours.”
The lounge doors opened.
Thomas Reed entered with two board officers.
“Elena, the emergency hearing begins in twenty minutes.”
Veronica stood.
Thomas looked at her.
“You have been instructed not to leave the building.”
“I have no intention of leaving.”
Elena studied Thomas.
“You drafted the contracts that made Monarch Ridge possible.”
“I drafted hundreds of contracts involving Damian’s companies.”
“And you reviewed the special voting provision Lucas is using.”
Thomas hesitated for half a second.
It was almost invisible.
Almost.
“Your father created that provision,” he said.
Elena watched him carefully.
“When did Lucas first contact you?”
Thomas did not answer.
The board officers escorted Veronica toward the conference floor.
Before leaving, she leaned close to Elena.
“You made one mistake.”
“What was that?”
“You believed the signature ended the story.”
Elena entered the boardroom twenty minutes later.
Eleven directors sat around the long table.
Lucas occupied the empty seat once reserved for their father.
Julian sat beside Elena.
Thomas stood at the head of the room.
“The board will now vote on the temporary suspension of Elena Voss as principal executive authority.”
Elena looked around the table.
Several directors avoided her eyes.
Thomas began calling their names.
One by one, they voted.
When the count reached five votes against Elena and five in her favor, only one person had not spoken.
Julian Mercer.
The CEO Elena had trusted with everything.
Thomas turned toward him.
“Mr. Mercer?”
Julian looked at Elena.
May you like
Then he said quietly:
“I vote to suspend her.”
