Chapter 6 - NINE O'CLOCK
Sterling Tower was surrounded by reporters when Willow arrived.
The anniversary slap had leaked online.
Someone had recorded it.
By eight-thirty, the video had been viewed more than twelve million times.
Lucas’s hand striking Willow.
The shattered glass.
Richard smiling.
The laughter afterward.
The Sterling communications department released a statement calling it a private marital matter.
That statement lasted fourteen minutes before being deleted.
Willow entered through the main lobby beside Michael and Amanda.
Employees stopped working.
Some stared.
Others quietly applauded.
Willow almost cried.
Not because of the applause.
Because after five years of being told she was insignificant, strangers were showing her more compassion than her husband ever had.
The boardroom occupied the forty-seventh floor.
Richard sat at the head of the table.
Lucas sat beside him.
Marion Sterling was there too.
Her face was perfectly composed.
When Willow entered, Marion spoke first.
“You have embarrassed this family enough.”
Michael pulled out a chair for his daughter.
“Interesting opening statement.”
Richard glared at him.
Martin Keene called the meeting to order.
Independent counsel presented the founder covenant.
Then Eleanor confirmed the Donovan trust.
Finally, outside auditor Claire Mendoza distributed the first financial report.
Seventeen million dollars moved through Willow’s gallery.
Forty-two million through philanthropic entities controlled by Marion.
Twenty-eight million through a construction consultant linked to Lucas.
Richard slapped the table.
“These are legitimate transactions.”
Claire looked at Willow.
“Did you authorize seventeen million dollars in art acquisitions?”
“No.”
“Did you authorize transfers to a company registered in the Cayman Islands?”
“No.”
“Did you sign these documents?”
Willow examined them.
“No.”
Lucas leaned toward her.
“Be careful.”
The room went silent.
Willow looked at him.
“Is that another threat?”
His face reddened.
Richard interrupted.
“This meeting is over.”
He stood.
Nobody else moved.
Martin spoke softly.
“Sit down, Richard.”
Richard stared at him.
Martin continued.
“Under the founder covenant, Michael Donovan has exercised temporary voting control pending investigation.”
Lucas laughed.
“That mechanic?”
Michael folded his hands on the table.
“That mechanic.”
Richard slowly sat.
Claire opened another document.
“We also found a transfer scheduled for Monday morning.”
Willow frowned.
“How much?”
“One hundred eighty-four million dollars.”
“To where?”
Claire looked directly at Lucas.
“A private holding company formed six weeks ago.”
“Beneficial owners are Lucas Sterling and Richard Sterling.”
For the first time, Marion looked frightened.
Willow understood instantly.
They were not merely hiding theft.
May you like
They were preparing to run.
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