Chapter 15 - The Tables Turn
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The fallout from the arbitration disaster was immediate and catastrophic for my parents.
With Attorney Vance facing disbarment and criminal investigation, Evelyn’s legal representation imploded. The news of the stolen medical records leaked to the business press, sending shockwaves through the local financial community.
By Friday afternoon, the board of directors at Sterling Real Estate voted unanimously to remove my father from all remaining honorary board titles and revoke his executive pension.
I sat in my new office on the top floor of Sterling Tower, reviewing the corporate transition documents. The office had once belonged to my father, but I had every piece of his furniture removed, replacing it with light wood, fresh plants, and a framed photograph of Grace on my desk.
My assistant tapped on the open glass door. "Chairwoman Sterling? You have a visitor. She doesn't have an appointment, but she says it’s urgent."
I looked up. "Who is it?"
The door swung open, and Chloe stepped into the office.
My younger sister looked exhausted. Her expensive designer clothing looked rumpled, and dark circles shadowed her eyes. She carried a small leather handbag, her fingers nervously picking at the strap.
"Sarah," Chloe whispered, her voice cracking. "Can I talk to you? Please?"
I stared at her for a long moment, remembering how she had stood by while our mother yelled at me on the granite floor. But I saw genuine terror in her eyes today.
"Sit down, Chloe," I said, gesturing to the chair across from my desk. "What happened?"
Chloe sat down, tears immediately spilling over her lashes. "Mom has gone completely crazy, Sarah. After the judge fined her, she went back to the house and started screaming about burning the estate to the ground."
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"What do you mean, burning it to the ground?" I asked, my instincts suddenly sharp.
"She... she’s planning something with Dad's old partners," Chloe sobbed, burying her face in her hands. "They met at the house last night. They were talking about foreign accounts, Sarah. They’re planning to drain the main operating capital from the construction company before the forensic audit finishes next week!"
