Chapter 14 - The Boardroom Coup
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Wednesday morning, the corporate headquarters of Harrison Custom Homes was in a state of absolute panic. The fallout from the anniversary gala had hit the business like a hurricane. Three major clients had pulled their contracts, refusing to work with a man whose personal scandals were plastered across local gossip blogs.
I didn't knock when I walked through the double glass doors. I was flanked by Marcus and two imposing private security guards.
The receptionist, a sweet girl named Maya who had been with us for years, gasped when she saw me.
“Sarah! Oh my god, how are you?” she asked, looking nervously toward the executive offices.
“I’m doing perfectly, Maya,” I smiled warmly at her. “Is Daniel in his office?”
“Yes, but he said he isn't taking any—”
I didn't wait for her to finish. I walked straight down the hallway, pushed open the heavy mahogany door to the CEO’s suite, and stepped inside.
Daniel was pacing frantically behind his desk, yelling into his cell phone. He looked like a man who hadn't slept in days. His hair was an unkempt mess, and he was wearing a wrinkled shirt.
When he saw me enter with a lawyer and security, he dropped the phone entirely. It clattered loudly against the hardwood floor.
“Sarah,” he breathed, taking a cautious step forward. “What are you doing here? You can't just barge in here with muscle.”
“Actually, Daniel, I can,” I said, stepping aside so Marcus could place a thick, heavy legal binder directly onto Daniel’s desk.
“What is this?” Daniel asked, looking at the binder as if it were a bomb.
“That is an emergency resolution from the majority shareholder of Harrison Custom Homes,” Marcus stated clinically, his voice devoid of any sympathy. “Effective immediately, your employment as Chief Executive Officer is terminated with extreme prejudice, citing gross misconduct, embezzlement of corporate funds, and breach of fiduciary duty.”
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Daniel stared at the lawyer, his jaw dropping. He looked at me, a wild, manic laugh escaping his lips. “You can't fire me! I built this company! I am Harrison Custom Homes!”
“You swing the hammers, Daniel,” I said coldly, pointing to the binder. “I own the paper. You have exactly ten minutes to clear out your desk. The security team will ensure you don't take any proprietary files.”
