Chapter 15
Chapter 15: The Gathering Storm
At 8:00 AM, the morning sun broke over the Pacific, casting brilliant rays of gold across the Solmere estate.
Black town cars began to pull up to the heavily guarded front entrance. The board of directors—fifteen of the most ruthless, wealthy individuals in the hospitality industry—arrived in their tailored suits, clutching briefcases. The air among them was thick with nervous whispers. They had heard rumors of the police presence the night before, but Graham’s lawyers had assured them the transition meeting would proceed as planned.
Charlotte stood in the master bathroom of the penthouse. She washed her bruised face with cold water. She carefully applied makeup to mask the worst of the discoloration on her cheekbone, but she didn't hide it completely. Let them see the violence her uncle was capable of.
She opened the mahogany closet and bypassed her usual soft sweaters. She pulled out a sharp, midnight-black tailored suit—a vintage piece that had belonged to Vivian. When she slipped it on, the fit was perfect.
She secured her hair back, slipped the gold master key into her breast pocket, and walked out the door.
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The corridors were silent as she descended to the boardroom level. Two security guards flanked the frosted glass doors. When they saw Charlotte approach, they immediately stepped aside, opening the doors for her.
The chatter inside the boardroom ceased instantly.
