The marble halls of Kincaid Global Infrastructure felt different this time. No Frank Driscoll, no veiled threats. The security guards at the main entrance barely glanced at me as I passed, their faces unreadable.
Arthur had called an emergency shareholders’ meeting, ostensibly to “stabilize market confidence” and “finalize a forced buyout of all minority stock.” It was his final power play, an attempt to consolidate absolute control and eliminate any remaining dissenters, including Clara’s hidden shares.
The executive boardroom was a vast, circular chamber, overlooking the city skyline. Executives and board members, all in various shades of expensive suits, murmured amongst themselves. The air was thick with tension and anticipation. Arthur, at the head of the polished mahogany table, looked imperious, his gaze sweeping over the room.
He stood, tapping a pen against the table. “Gentlemen, ladies. We are here today to put an end to these baseless accusations and secure the future of Kincaid Global. My niece, Elena Kincaid, has launched a vexatious and fraudulent audit. Her firm’s assets are frozen, and her personal accounts are under investigation. She is a criminal, not an auditor.”
A wave of murmurs rippled through the room. Some board members shot uneasy glances at the empty chair beside Arthur.
Just as Arthur raised his hand to call the meeting to order, the heavy double doors at the back of the boardroom swung open.
Every head turned.
I walked in, my steps measured and deliberate. Beside me, in crisp, dark suits, were two uniformed court officers. Between them walked Jessica Thorne, Judge Carver’s appointed court master, carrying a thick, red-taped folder.
Arthur’s eyes widened, a flicker of genuine shock crossing his face. His confident posture seemed to stiffen, his hand still frozen over the pen.
The murmurs in the room died down completely, replaced by a sudden, stunned silence.
“What is the meaning of this, Elena?” Arthur demanded, his voice regaining its usual steel, though a hint of unease was audible. “This is a private corporate meeting.”
Jessica Thorne stepped forward, her expression calm and unyielding. “Mr. Kincaid, by order of Judge Raymond Carver, this meeting is now under the direct supervision of the court.”
She held up an official document. “We are here to address matters directly pertaining to the ongoing investigation into Kincaid Global Infrastructure and the allegations against Mr. Arthur Kincaid.”
The board members exchanged bewildered looks. This wasn’t just an audit anymore. This was a judicial intervention.
“These are private corporate matters,” Arthur insisted, his voice rising, trying to regain control. “You have no jurisdiction here.”
“On the contrary, Mr. Kincaid,” Thorne stated, her voice carrying clearly across the silent room. “We have ample jurisdiction. And compelling new evidence.”
She placed the red-taped folder on the table in front of Arthur. He stared at it, his eyes fixed on the seal of the court. The game was no longer his to control.
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