Chapter 4 - THE UNMASKING IN THE BOARDROOM
The glass-walled headquarters of Vance Logistics in downtown Manhattan was buzzing with anxiety. Security guards lined the marble lobby, and executive assistants hurried through corridors carrying thick binders.
Richard stood in the primary boardroom on the 30th floor, wearing his most expensive suit. His mother, Olivia, had insisted on coming along to wait in the lobby, eager to celebrate her son's inevitable promotion. Vanessa had even tagged along, posting live updates on her social media about "supporting her powerful man on his big day."
At 8:55 AM, the double doors of the boardroom swung open.
A fleet of men in black suits entered first, followed by Julian Sterling. The boardroom fell into dead silence. Every executive present, including the CEO, bowed slightly in respect to the Manhattan billionaire.
"Welcome, Mr. Sterling!" the CEO exclaimed, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. "We are honored by Sterling Capital's investment."
Julian ignored the hand, standing beside the head chair at the end of the mahogany table. "I am not the majority owner," Julian stated smoothly, his deep voice carrying through the quiet room. "I am merely the manager of the asset trust. The owner of Vance Logistics is sitting right behind me."
Richard straightened his tie, taking a step forward with a confident smile, assuming he would be called up to present.
The doors opened again.
A woman stepped into the room. She wore a tailored charcoal-grey Chanel suit, high heels, and diamond earrings that caught the morning sun. Her hair was styled immaculately, framing a face of radiant, breathtaking beauty. Walking beside her was Lord Samuel Montgomery himself, holding his golden cane.
Richard's smile froze. His eyes widened in absolute horror.
"M... Maya?" Richard stuttered, his voice squeaking.
The entire boardroom looked at Richard in confusion.
Maya walked with slow, deliberate steps to the head of the table. She sat down in the executive chair, folding her hands neatly. Julian stood at her right hand, while Samuel sat at her left.
"Maya?!" Richard yelled, completely forgetting where he was. "What the hell are you doing here?! How did you get in here? Did you steal that suit? Security! Get this crazy woman out of here!"
"Silence!" the CEO roared, glaring at Richard as if he had lost his mind. "Show some respect! This is Ms. Maya Montgomery, sole heiress to the Montgomery Empire and new owner of Vance Logistics!"
The room seemed to spin around Richard. "M-Montgomery? Heiress? No... no, you're mistaken! She's a waitress! She's my wife—ex-wife! She doesn't have a penny!"
Maya looked at Richard, her expression cold, indifferent, and completely devoid of the fear she used to carry.
"Richard Vance," Maya spoke softly, yet her voice silenced every person in the room. "Five years ago, you married me thinking I was an orphan with no background. You spent half a decade making me feel worthless, using my silence to fuel your fragile ego. And two days ago, you humiliated me in front of forty-seven people."
Richard was pale, cold sweat dripping down his neck. "Maya... babe... what are you talking about? It was just a joke! A prank for Lily's party!"
"A prank?" Julian Sterling stepped forward, tossing a tablet onto the table. On the screen was the viral video Vanessa had posted. "You physically assaulted the chairwoman of Montgomery Global, published it online, and attempted to ruin her reputation."
"I... I didn't know!" Richard pleaded, stumbling backward. "Maya, please! We're family! Think of Lily!"
"Don't you dare speak my daughter's name," Maya snapped, her eyes piercing straight through him. "Lily is a Montgomery. You are nothing."
Maya turned to the CEO. "Effective immediately, Richard Vance is terminated from Vance Logistics. Furthermore, audit his entire project portfolio. If there is even a single cent unaccounted for, press full criminal fraud charges."
"Right away, Ms. Montgomery!" the CEO said instantly.
"Maya, no! You can't do this to me!" Richard screamed as two giant security guards grabbed him by the arms.
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"Take him out," Julian commanded quietly.
As Richard was dragged kicking and screaming out of the boardroom, Maya sat back, taking a calm sip of water. The first step of her retribution was complete, but she was far from finished.
