Chapter 3 - The Queen’s Return to the Boardroom
Two weeks later, the board of Voss Construction held an emergency meeting in the glass-walled conference room overlooking the city. Victoria Voss walked in, her head held high, expecting to maintain control as the "matriarch." She was dressed in her signature silk suit, ready to command, but as she opened the door, she found the room occupied by stern-faced forensic accountants and a woman she didn't recognize.
I sat at the head of the table, wearing a tailored charcoal suit that commanded more respect than Victoria’s entire wardrobe. The stitches on my brow were gone, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve that made even the seasoned board members flinch.
"Victoria," I said, my voice cutting through the air like a knife. "It’s been a long time."
Victoria’s face twisted into a mask of pure, unadulterated hate. "You! You little parasite! How dare you show your face here? Where did you get that suit? Did you steal it from the donations bin?"
"I bought it," I said, sliding a thick document folder across the polished table. "With the dividends from the sixty-two percent of this company that I own. I’m calling in the debt, Victoria. Effective immediately, your position on this board is terminated. Security will be here in sixty seconds to escort you and Dominic from the premises."
Dominic burst through the doors, looking haggard, his suit wrinkled, his eyes darting frantically. "Audrey, stop this! We can talk! I was just confused, the pressure—"
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I didn't even look at him. I stared straight at the board members. "The pressure is about to get much worse, gentlemen. I’ve handed the evidence of your embezzlement, the fraudulent contracts, and the records of the 'accident' on the stairs to the District Attorney. You didn't just lose a wife, Dominic; you’re about to lose your freedom."
Victoria shrieked, lunging toward me, but she was stopped by two towering security guards. As they dragged her out, her screams echoed through the hallway—a sound of a queen losing her crown and realizing she was nothing but a pawn.
