Chapter 4 - Stripped of Power
Within thirty minutes, the entire landscape of Marcus Sterling's life had collapsed.
The police officers insisted that Chloe immediately surrender the sapphire brooch. Trembling with rage and embarrassment, Chloe unpinned the sparkling gem and handed it over to the officer, who carefully placed it in an evidence bag before returning it to Isabella.
"And the robe," Isabella added coldly. "She can wear a hotel courtesy towel to the police station if she prefers, but she will not leave this building wearing my clothes."
Faced with the threat of immediate arrest for felony theft, Chloe was forced to retreat into a staff changing room, weeping tears of pure humiliation, only to emerge minutes later in a cheap, oversized paper jumpsuit provided by emergency services.
Meanwhile, Marcus stood in the center of the lobby as auditors and legal representatives arrived in fleet vehicles outside.
"Mr. Sterling," said Richard Hayes, the chief legal counsel for Vance Global Holdings, stepping out of a black sedan and walking into the lobby with a leather briefcase. "I am serving you with an immediate cease-and-desist order, a temporary restraining order, and notice of termination for cause."
"You can't terminate me!" Marcus yelled, his voice cracking as hotel guests filmed the entire spectacle on their smartphones. "I am the founder!"
"You were an officer of the corporation," Hayes corrected, pulling out a thick stack of legal documents. "Under Section 12 of your employment agreement, all intellectual property, including the brand name 'Sterling Hotels,' is the exclusive property of Vance Global. Furthermore, effective five minutes ago, all corporate credit cards, expense accounts, executive vehicles, and housing allowances registered under your name have been revoked."
Marcus pulled out his wallet and yanked out his Centurion Black Card, tossing it at Hayes. "I have my own money! I have millions in my private accounts!"
Hayes offered a tight, sympathetic smile. "Your private accounts were funded primarily through executive bonuses generated by Vance Global. Because an audit has just been initiated into severe financial irregularities—specifically, three million dollars transferred to offshore accounts registered under Ms. Chloe Bennett's name—all associated bank accounts have been frozen by federal court injunction pending investigation."
Marcus turned pale. He looked at Chloe, who was standing near the police officers, her eyes wide with terror.
May you like
"You... you froze my bank accounts?" Marcus whispered.
"Every single one," Isabella said, walking up to stand beside her lawyer. "You came into this marriage with nothing, Marcus. And tonight, you leave with exactly what you brought."
