Page Forty-Seven
The boardroom at Sterling Tower smelled of polished wood, expensive perfume, and champagne.
Richard had invited investors because he wanted witnesses to Victoria’s surrender.
Chloe wore the pearls.
Victoria noticed that immediately.
She also noticed Malcolm Voss sitting near the middle of the table.
Voss was seventy, thin, elegant, and nearly motionless. He had been Thomas Sterling’s private attorney before becoming chairman of the board.
He had voted to remove Victoria.
Throughout the negotiations, he had said almost nothing.
Now his pale eyes followed her across the room.
The contracts were placed before Richard and Chloe.
Their attorneys reviewed the signature pages.
“Everything is as agreed,” one said.
“Then let’s finish it,” Richard replied.
He signed first.
Chloe signed beside him.
Victoria waited until the ink dried.
Richard lifted the contract.
“It’s done. You’re finished.”
Chloe smiled.
“We finally won.”
Richard raised his champagne glass.
“Goodbye. Enjoy your bankruptcy.”
Victoria looked at page forty-seven.
Then she smiled.
“You really should have read the last page.”
The police entered.
The champagne glass shattered.
The handcuffs closed.
Richard whispered his final warning.
Ask your father who taught me.
As Richard and Chloe were taken away, the investors erupted into questions.
Victoria ignored them.
She turned toward Malcolm Voss.
His chair was empty.
He had disappeared before the officers entered.
