Two nights earlier, Grant had taken a call in our kitchen, unaware our security system had archived the sound after a glass-break alert.
His voice filled the terminal.
“Once the acquisition closes, move the remaining money and dilute Olivia’s trust. She signs whatever I put in front of her.”
Melissa laughed.
“And after the baby?”
“I’ll make Olivia look unstable, divorce her, and keep the company.”
Silence followed.
Grant reached for the tablet, but Daniel moved it away.
Evelyn called the vote.
Eight directors suspended Grant immediately. One abstained.
A second vote froze his executive access and referred the evidence to federal authorities and Northstar’s insurers.
His watch and phone began buzzing as company access and corporate cards were disabled.
“You planned this,” he whispered.
“I documented it,” I said.
Daniel handed him the suspension notice.
Evelyn gave me the blue folder.
Inside was the signed board resolution appointing me interim executive chair until an independent CEO could be selected.
Grant stared at the seal, then at the jet outside.
He finally understood.
I wasn’t fleeing.
I was flying to Seattle to stop the acquisition he planned to use as cover for the theft.
I turned toward the gate.
His hand closed around my wrist.
Grant yanked me backward, sending my phone sliding across the marble.
“You are not taking my company,” he shouted.
A terminal security officer crossed the room and pulled him away while Daniel recovered my phone.
“It was never your company,” I said. “You were trusted to lead it.”
Grant struggled until the officer warned him to stop.
Evelyn stood between us with the signed resolution.
That was what finally stopped him.
Not another man.
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