Chapter 4 - The Boardroom Ambush
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The following morning brought a cold, gray drizzle that coated the skyscrapers of the financial district in mist.
The top floor of Blackwood Tower was bustling with nervous energy as the board of directors gathered around the mahogany table.
Julian sat at the head of the conference room, wearing an immaculate three-piece navy suit and an expensive diamond watch.
Vanessa sat beside him in an ivory designer dress, acting as the proxy representative for her family's substantial shares.
The other board members whispered among themselves, reading the morning headlines that Julian had aggressively planted in the press.
Every major financial blog claimed that Adrian Blackwood had suffered a severe mental collapse and was unfit to oversee company assets.
Julian cleared his throat loudly, tapping his silver pen against the crystal water glass to command the room's attention.
"Gentlemen and ladies, thank you for assembling on such short notice during this tragic time for our family," Julian began smoothly.
"As you all know, my cousin Adrian's physical condition has deteriorated beyond the point of medical redemption."
He pulled a thick stack of medical affidavits toward himself, pretending to wipe a tear from the corner of his eye.
"It breaks my heart to say this, but his mind has succumbed to the immense trauma of his paralysis."
Vanessa nodded solemnly, playing her part with the practiced grace of a seasoned stage actress.
"Adrian has become increasingly violent and delusional toward the household staff," she added softly, winning sympathetic glances from the older executives.
"We must protect the legacy of Blackwood Tower by transferring full executive power and voting rights to Julian immediately."
Several board members nodded in solemn agreement, reaching for their Montblanc pens to sign the emergency transfer decree.
"Is there any objection from the floor before we record this unanimous vote?" Julian asked, barely concealing his predatory grin.
"I object," a deep, thunderous voice echoed from the heavy mahogany doors at the back of the room.
The entire boardroom fell completely dead silent as the doors swung wide open against the wall.
Adrian Blackwood walked into the room with steady, powerful strides, his dark eyes radiating pure authority.
He wore a midnight-black bespoke suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly, looking every bit like the ruthless corporate king he truly was.
Behind him walked two senior agents from the Securities and Exchange Commission, flanked by four uniformed police officers.
Vanessa gasped, knocking her crystal glass off the table and watching it shatter violently against the plush carpet.
Julian jumped out of his leather chair so fast that it rolled backward into the panoramic glass window with a crash.
"What is the meaning of this theatrical entrance?" an elderly board member exclaimed, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses in disbelief.
"The meaning is quite simple, Harrison," Adrian replied, walking directly to the head of the table.
May you like
He placed both palms down on the polished wood, leaning forward until he was inches from Julian's terrified face.
"The dead have returned to collect their debts, and your time at this table is officially over."
