In the top-floor boardroom of the Vance Logistics Headquarters, Victoria sat at the head of a long mahogany conference table. She wore a sharp white designer suit, sipping espresso while her family's corporate lawyers reviewed a stack of legal documents. Her father, Councilman Vance, sat beside her, tapping his pen against his leather folder.
Councilman Vance: Victoria, the media is already printing articles about Cora's fall at the gala. Are you absolute certain the mansion's security cameras were wiped?
Victoria: I paid Chief Davis fifty thousand dollars to burn the hard drive, Dad. There is no physical evidence tying me to her fall.
Lawyer: If Julian tries to file a civil lawsuit, we will claim Mrs. Sterling was intoxicated and tripped on her dress. The board will vote to freeze Julian's executive voting power by noon.
Victoria: Perfect. With Cora in the hospital and Julian distracted, I will execute my proxy vote to claim sixty percent of the Sterling trust fund accounts.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the boardroom were thrown open with a violent thud. Julian walked into the room, flanked by Detective Miller, Marcus Vance, and three armed police officers. Victoria set her espresso cup down, her face hardening as she put on a smug smile.
Victoria: Julian? What is the meaning of this intrusion? This is a private corporate meeting.
Julian: This meeting is over, Victoria.
Councilman Vance: Julian Sterling! You have no authority to barge into my daughter's boardroom with police officers!
Detective Miller: Councilman Vance, step away from the table. We are executing a felony arrest warrant for your daughter.
Victoria: An arrest warrant?! On what grounds?! I told you, she tripped on her heels!
Julian: Marcus, show the councilman what we found inside the chandelier server.
Marcus stepped forward, setting his tablet on the center of the mahogany table and pressing play. The overhead video played in full view of every lawyer and board member in the room. The room went dead silent as Victoria's voice echoed through the speakers, followed by the graphic visual of her shoving Cora down the stone steps.
Victoria on Video: That child in your stomach is taking away my sixty percent share of the Sterling trust fund. I won't allow it!
Councilman Vance froze, his mouth opening in complete horror as he looked at his daughter. The corporate lawyers immediately shut their leather folders, stepping away from Victoria's side of the table.
Lawyer: Councilman... we cannot defend this. This is documented attempted murder and corporate fraud.
Victoria: Dad! Do something! Tell them that video is fake!
Councilman Vance: Victoria... what did you do?! You told me it was an accident!
Julian: My son survived the fall, Victoria. And he is going to inherit every single dime of the Sterling estate while you rot in a federal cell.