Chapter 10 - The Phoenix Rises
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The sun rose over the Manhattan skyline, casting a golden glow across the eighty-story glass structure known as the Vance Tower.
Inside the top-floor executive boardroom, twenty high-ranking board members and investors sat around a massive oval mahogany table. Sitting at the head of the table was Charles Vance, wearing a bespoke pinstripe suit, swirling a glass of scotch.
To his right sat Marcus Sterling, the chief financial officer, and Senator Richard Hayes, who was reviewing the final liquidation deeds.
"Gentlemen," Charles announced, tapping his signet ring against his glass to gather everyone's attention. "Today marks the final chapter of a long, tragic era. With Arthur's family gone and Julian Kensington currently detained under... unfortunate legal complications, the Vance assets are officially cleared for distribution."
Marcus Sterling smirked, signing his name on the cover page of the document. "It's a shame about Julian. The idiot got sloppy with his domestic affairs."
"Julian was always a tool," Senator Hayes scoffed, adjusting his silk tie. "He served his purpose. Now, let's sign these papers and claim what is rightfully ours."
Charles lifted his fountain pen, positioning the nib above the signature line. "To the future of the new Vance Corporation."
Before the ink could touch the paper, the double doors of the boardroom were blown off their hinges with a deafening metallic crash.
The heavy wooden doors smashed onto the floor, sending glass and wood splinters flying across the room. Several board members screamed, scrambling out of their leather chairs.
Through the dust and smoke, six armed security officers in black tactical suits stepped into the room, forming two neat lines.
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And walking slowly down the center aisle, leaning on a polished black cane with a solid gold handle, was a woman dressed in a tailored crimson suit. Her dark hair was swept back elegantly, her crimson lips set in a cold, lethal smile.
Charles dropped his pen, his face turning as white as paper. "V-Victoria...?"
