Chapter 16
Chapter 16: The Master Key
Fifteen heads turned to look at the entrance.
At the far end of the table, sitting arrogantly in the chairman's seat, was Graham. He had been permitted to attend the meeting under strict police surveillance waiting outside, desperately hoping to use his lawyers to invalidate Charlotte's authority before the hammer fell.
Next to him sat two executives from Sterling Corp, grinning like sharks smelling blood in the water.
"Charlotte," Graham began, using his most patronizing, artificially soothing tone. "We are so glad you are safe. However, given your current... traumatic state, the board has agreed to vote on an emergency conservatorship—"
Charlotte didn't speak. She walked the length of the room. Her footsteps echoed like gunshots against the hardwood floor.
When she reached the head of the table, she didn't ask Graham to move. She simply reached into her pocket, pulled out the heavy, engraved gold master key, and slammed it down onto the center of the obsidian table.
The loud CLACK made the Sterling executives flinch.
"According to Article 4, Section 2 of the Solmere founding charter," Charlotte said, her voice ringing with absolute, unshakeable authority. "The physical presentation of the founder's master key by the designated heir instantly overrides any interim executive powers. As of this exact second, Graham Vale is no longer the chairman. I am."
Graham's lawyer stood up, sweating. "Ms. Vale, this is an archaic technicality—"
"It is the law of this company," Charlotte cut him off, her eyes blazing. "Sit down, counselor, before I have security throw you through the plate glass."
The lawyer slowly sank back into his chair.
Charlotte looked down at Graham. "Get out of my seat."
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Graham’s jaw tightened. He looked around the table for support, but the board members, sensing the shift in power, averted their eyes. Trembling with humiliated rage, Graham stood up and moved to a side chair.
Charlotte sat down. The throne was finally hers.
