Chapter 5 - The Boardroom Surprise
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At precisely nine o'clock the following morning, the glass doors of Vance-Carter Holdings' corporate headquarters swept open.
Jeffrey walked through the lobby wearing a crisp Italian suit, flanked by Cynthia, who was carrying an expensive designer briefcase. They both looked smug, confident that my return was merely a temporary domestic squabble that could be swept under the rug.
"Tell the board members we need an emergency meeting at ten," Jeffrey ordered his receptionist as he walked past her desk. "My wife has returned from London and is causing operational disruptions."
"Actually, Mr. Carter," the receptionist said nervously, her face pale. "The emergency board meeting was called an hour ago."
Jeffrey paused, frowning. "By whom?"
"By the Majority Shareholder," a voice echoed from the main corridor.
Jeffrey turned around to see Marcus Vance stepping out of the executive elevator, holding a leather briefcase.
"What is this, Marcus?" Jeffrey demanded, adjusting his silk tie. "Madeline doesn't have the authority to call a board meeting without my consent."
"She doesn't need your consent, Jeffrey," Marcus replied calmly, handing him a thick blue folder. "As of eight-thirty this morning, Madeline has formally revoked your power of attorney and suspended your executive privileges pending a full audit of the London expansion accounts."
Cynthia stepped forward, her heels clicking loudly against the marble floor. "This is ridiculous! Jeffrey is the Acting CEO! You can't just kick him out because his wife is having a mental breakdown!"
"I suggest you check your corporate email, Miss Vance," Marcus said, looking at Cynthia with pure disdain. "Your employment as Executive Assistant has been terminated due to severe ethical violations and conflict of interest."
Jeffrey's face flushed with deep red rage. "Where is she?!"
"She's in your office, Jeffrey," Marcus answered smoothly. "Sitting in your chair."
Jeffrey pushed past Marcus, dragging Cynthia along with him toward the corner office. He slammed the heavy oak door open, his eyes wild.
"Madeline, what the hell is the meaning of this?!" Jeffrey roared.
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I sat behind the grand mahogany desk, wearing a tailored navy suit, sipping green tea from a porcelain cup.
"Good morning, Jeffrey," I said softly. "You're late for your final day."
