Chapter 3 - The Boardroom
The 14th floor of the NexoCloud building was buzzed with tense energy. The entire executive team, alongside early venture capital partners, was seated around a mahogany conference table. Water bottles, financial projection binders, and legal pads were neatly laid out.
Jonathan sat at the head of the table, flanked by Arthur and Derek, who had insisted on sitting in the gallery seats despite having no formal operational roles in the company.
"Where is the Vanguard team?" Derek whispered loudly, checking his watch. "It's 8:58. Investors are usually punctual, aren't they?"
"Relax, Derek," Jonathan smirked, swirling his coffee. "Vanguard's Vice President, Evelyn Vance, called me yesterday personally. They love our growth metrics. They know we're the next big unicorn. Rich people like to make dramatic entrances. Just keep your mouth shut during the signing so you don't embarrass me."
"Did you call Charlotte again?" Arthur muttered behind him. "She needs to be brought to heel, Jonathan. A woman who throws dirty water on her husband on her wedding night is a liability. You need to make her sign a post-nup the moment she comes crawling back."
"I will, Dad," Jonathan grunted. "She has no family, no money, and no job after I get her fired from that little secretarial firm she works at. She'll be back on her knees by tonight."
Precisely at 9:00 AM, the frosted glass doors of the boardroom swung open.
Evelyn Vance stepped inside, holding a thin leather briefcase, followed by three senior corporate attorneys from Vanguard Capital.
Jonathan immediately stood up, adjusting his suit coat and flashing a polished, practiced smile, extending his hand. "Ms. Vance! It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Welcome to NexoCloud."
Evelyn ignored his outstretched hand completely, stepping to the side and placing her briefcase on the table. She did not sit down.
Jonathan’s smile flickered, his hand falling back to his side. "Uh... is everything alright? We have the term sheets ready for execution on our end."
"Mr. Miller," Evelyn said, her voice dropping like an anvil in the quiet room. "Before we proceed to any discussions regarding Series B financing, I am required by company protocol to introduce the Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Capital."
Jonathan blinked, looking confused. "The CEO? I thought you had full authority over the tech portfolio?"
"I manage operations," Evelyn replied smoothly. "Our CEO makes all final capital allocation decisions above fifty million dollars."
The glass door opened once more.
The click of my high heels echoed against the hardwood floor. I stepped into the room, flanked by Marcus Vance. I took off my dark sunglasses, revealing my face, and looked straight at Jonathan.
The color drained from Jonathan’s face so fast he looked as though he had seen a ghost. His jaw dropped, his hands catching the edge of the conference table to steady himself.
"C... Charlotte?" Jonathan gasped, his voice squeaking. "What... what are you doing here? How did you get past security?"
Behind him, Arthur stood up angrily, pointing a coarse finger at me. "You! What kind of joke is this?! How dare you follow my son to his workplace after the stunt you pulled last night!"
"Sit down, Arthur," I said calmly, taking the leather armchair at the opposite head of the table—the seat reserved exclusively for the lead investor.
"Don't you talk to my father like that!" Derek shouted, taking a step toward me.
Before Derek could move another inch, two of Vanguard's security detail stepped forward, blocking his path with cold, imposing presence.
Jonathan was staring at me, his eyes wide with horror as he noticed the way Evelyn Vance, the woman he had been begging for money for six months, bowed her head slightly toward me.
"Ms. Davis," Evelyn said respectfully, opening her folder. "The board of NexoCloud is present, as requested."
"Thank you, Evelyn," I said smoothly, resting my hands on the mahogany surface, letting my Patek Philippe catch the light. "Jonathan, you look surprised."
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Jonathan leaned over the table, his knuckles turning white. "Charlotte... what is this? Why is Evelyn calling you Ms. Davis? What are you doing in Vanguard's seat?"
"My full name is Charlotte Davis Vance," I said softly, my voice carrying total authority over the silent room. "I am the founder, majority shareholder, and President of Vanguard Capital."
