Chapter 6 - Confrontation in the Boardroom
The executive board room on the top floor of Cole Meridian was filled with senior partners, major shareholders, and corporate legal advisors. Whispers circulated through the room regarding Ethan Cole’s sudden absence over the past three days and rumors of an unverified child.
Arthur Vance sat near the head of the table, shuffling a stack of corporate reports, looking confident and unbothered.
The heavy doors opened, and Ethan walked in. He did not wear his usual business attire; instead, he carried a simple black folder. His presence commanded absolute silence as he walked to the head of the table and stood, refusing to sit.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," Ethan began, his voice echoing smoothly across the acoustic panels. "I know there have been rumors regarding my personal life and my dedication to this firm over the past few days."
"Ethan," Arthur spoke up, adopting a patronizing, fatherly tone. "We are all concerned for you. But personal matters shouldn't interfere with company governance. If there is a personal issue—a child claiming relation—it should be handled privately through legal channels, without distracting from our core operations."
Ethan looked directly at Arthur, his gaze piercing. "It has been handled, Arthur. The DNA test results are conclusive. Lily Bennett is my biological daughter and my sole legal heir."
A low murmur rippled across the room. Some board members offered cautious nods of congratulations, while others looked uncomfortable.
"That is... surprising news, Ethan," Arthur said, his smile faltering slightly. "However, the firm must ensure stability. An unexpected heir brings tax complications, estate restructuring, and—"
"And it brings light to old crimes," Ethan interrupted sharply.
He opened the black folder and tossed several documents onto the center of the table.
"Six years ago, my father’s administration—specifically Harold Vance, with authorization from Arthur Vance—used corporate funds to track, threaten, and intimidate Rachel Bennett," Ethan announced, his voice vibrating with anger. "You forged legal documents, threatened a pregnant woman, and used company assets to enforce a lie that kept my family apart for six years."
Arthur’s face drained of color. "That is a baseless slander! Harold acted independently—"
"I have the banking transfers signed by your hand, Arthur," Ethan said, leaning forward on the table. "I have the private investigator logs. I have the signed affidavits from the security firm your brother hired. You didn't just target her; you misused corporate funds to cover up human rights violations."
The room erupted into shocked chatter. Board members stared at Arthur in disbelief.
"Effective immediately," Ethan declared, his tone leaving no room for debate, "Arthur Vance is removed from his position as senior legal counsel. I am personally filing criminal charges for extortion, conspiracy, and embezzlement of corporate funds. Security will escort you out of the building."
Two heavy-set security guards stepped into the boardroom, moving directly to Arthur’s side.
Arthur stood up, his hands shaking, his composure completely shattered. "Ethan! You can't do this! I built this company with your father!"
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"My father built a business," Ethan said coldly. "You built a cage. And your time in it starts today."
As Arthur was escorted out under the stunned gazes of the board, Ethan looked around the table. "Cole Meridian will undergo a complete audit. Any executive who participated in or covered up these actions will be terminated and prosecuted. This meeting is adjourned."
