Two days later, the news of Victoria Sterling's arrest dominated the headlines across Texas. The video footage from the Dallas estate had leaked to major news networks, sparking public outrage over the brutal assault.
Inside the corporate headquarters of Sterling Enterprises in downtown Dallas, an emergency board of directors meeting was convened in the top-floor boardroom.
Board Member 1: This scandal is destroying our stock value! The video is everywhere on social media!
Board Member 2: Victoria's defense attorney is claiming emotional distress, but the public sees a cold-blooded attack on a pregnant woman!
The heavy boardroom doors opened, and Evelyn walked in slowly, supported by a wooden cane. Her legal representative, Mr. Vance, walked beside her holding a leather briefcase.
Board Member 1: Evelyn! Should you even be out of the hospital?
Evelyn: My doctor advised rest, but I needed to be here today to protect my father's legacy.
Mr. Vance: Ladies and gentlemen of the board, as per the Sterling Family Trust bylaws, Victoria's felony indictment automatically revokes her voting proxy and chief executive status.
Board Member 2: That means management control defaults entirely to Evelyn.
Evelyn: I am officially assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Enterprises today. My first order of business is severing all corporate ties with Victoria's legal defense team.
Board Member 1: What about the family trust fund?
Evelyn: Under the morality clause my father added to his will, any heir convicted of a violent felony forfeits their entire share of the estate trust. Victoria's fifty-percent share will be redirected into a pediatric medical foundation in Dallas.
The board members nodded in unanimous agreement, recognizing that Evelyn's decisive leadership was the only way to save the company's reputation.
Board Member 2: We support you completely, Evelyn. Your father would be proud of how you handled this crisis.
Evelyn: Thank you. Now let's get back to work and rebuild what my sister tried to destroy.