The morning sun rose bright and clear over Manhattan, illuminating the glass-and-steel skyscraper of Vance Logistics. By eight o'clock, the news of Eleanor Sterling's arrest was on the front page of every major newspaper in the country. Video footage of her being escorted out of the ballroom had accumulated millions of views online.
David walked into the grand corporate lobby wearing a sharp charcoal suit. Beside him walked Sarah, wearing an elegant navy blue suit, her hair styled neatly, the bruised scratch on her cheek carefully treated.
Surrounding them were four suit-clad security guards, along with Detective Vance and Mr. Harrison, the senior family law attorney.
Mr. Harrison: The probate judge signed the emergency injunction at seven AM sharp, David. All accounts managed by Eleanor Sterling have been frozen, and full executive control is transferred to you and Sarah.
David: What about Clara's position on the board?
Mr. Harrison: Terminated under the morality clause of the company bylaws. Her security access card was revoked thirty minutes ago.
Sarah: Is the boardroom ready for the emergency meeting?
Mr. Harrison: Every member of the board is sitting inside right now, Sarah. They are eager to sign the resolution restoring your father's original name to the firm.
They rode the private glass elevator up to the top floor. When the doors opened into the executive suite, all twelve board members stood up instantly, breaking into a warm round of applause.
Standing near the head of the long mahogany table was Clara, holding a small cardboard box containing her personal desk items, flanked by two private security guards.
Clara: David... please. Can we speak in private for just two minutes?
David: There is nothing left to speak about, Clara.
Clara: I had no idea my mother poisoned your father! I swear to you on my life I didn't know about the medical ledger!
David: But you knew Sarah was working as a maid in the servant quarters, didn't you?
Clara swallowed hard, her eyes darting nervously toward the floor.
David: You knew she was my sister, and you kept her hidden so you could marry into my father's trust fund.
Clara: My mother told me Sarah was an imposter! She told me Sarah was trying to blackmail our family!
Sarah: Your mother told you whatever was convenient to protect your luxury lifestyle, Clara. But today, the free ride is over.
David: Escort Miss Clara out of the building, please.
Clara: David! You can't just throw me out like this! I gave you three years of my life!
David: You gave me three years of lies, Clara. Good day.
The security guards guided Clara toward the private elevator. She sobbed quietly, holding her cardboard box close to her chest as the heavy doors closed behind her, erasing her presence from the Sterling empire forever.
David walked to the head of the boardroom table, pulling out the center chair for his sister Sarah.
David: Take your seat, CEO Sarah Vance.
Sarah: Thank you, David. It feels good to finally be home.
The board members sat down, opening their leather folders as Mr. Harrison presented the new corporate charter restoring the company's founding mission.
Board Member Miller: To the true heirs of Arthur Vance! Welcome back to Vance Logistics!
Board Members: Welcome back!