Chapter 4 - The Boardroom of Truth
Monday morning arrived, cold and grey.
The lobby of Whitaker Construction was bustling with high-end executives, lawyers in tailored suits, and wealthy vendors whispering in hushed tones.
Martin, Claire, David, and Thomas walked through the glass doors, trying their best to look confident. Martin held his head high, though his hands were sweating. Claire wore a designer emerald suit, her hair perfectly styled. She looked around the luxurious lobby, feeling a sense of envy. This was the kind of life she deserved. Not a life with a man who smelled like sawdust and motor oil.
"Mr. Collins?" a sharp-looking executive assistant in her late twenties approached them. "The board is ready for you. Please follow me."
She led them up to the top floor, down a long hallway lined with architectural blueprints of massive shopping complexes, stadiums, and luxury high-rises. At the end of the hall were double oak doors.
The assistant pushed them open, revealing a boardroom that could easily accommodate fifty people.
At the center of the room was a massive U-shaped glass table. Sitting around it were the top executives of Whitaker Construction, including Marcus, the formidable CFO, who looked at the Collins family with an unreadable expression.
In the corner of the room, sitting quietly in a small chair, was Sophie.
She was dressed in a beautiful, neat blue dress, her hair braided. She looked calm, her eyes resting coolly on the people who had thrown her out into the snow just days prior.
Claire’s eyes widened. She marched toward Sophie, her face contorting with anger. "What is this brat doing here? This is a high-level corporate meeting! Who let her in?"
"I did, Claire," a familiar voice echoed from the private executive office connecting to the boardroom.
The door swung open.
A man stepped out. He wore a custom-tailored, dark navy Italian suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly. His hair was neatly styled, his jaw clean-shaven. His leather shoes clicked sharply against the hardwood floor.
He looked powerful. He looked wealthy. He looked like a king.
Claire’s breath caught in her throat. She stumbled backward, her hand flying to her mouth.
"Daniel...?" she whispered.
Martin’s mouth fell open, his eyes bulging so wide they looked like they might pop out of his head. "Dan? What the hell are you doing in that suit? Did you steal that from the executive wardrobe? Get out of here before you get us all arrested!"
David laughed nervously. "Is this a joke? Dan, did you finally lose your mind because Claire divorced you?"
Daniel didn't answer. He walked slowly to the head of the table.
Marcus, the CFO, stood up immediately. He bowed his head slightly. "Good morning, Mr. Whitaker. The board is fully assembled. We have the termination files and the fraud reports ready for your signature."
Mr. Whitaker.
May you like
The words echoed through the massive boardroom, striking the Collins family like a physical blow.
"Marcus," Daniel said, his voice deep, commanding, and filled with an authority none of them had ever heard before. "Please present the first item on the agenda."
