Chapter 4 - The Boardroom Execution
Derek Vale sat in the glass-walled conference room of Apex Logistics, his chest swelling with pride as he adjusted his gold watch.
The morning sun was shining brightly over Albany, and the view from the sixteenth floor was spectacular. Today was the day. His promotion to Vice President of Regional Acquisitions was supposed to be announced at the 9:00 AM board meeting.
Beside him sat Chloe, his secretary, her eyes adoring as she poured him a cup of coffee.
"You look amazing, Derek," she whispered. "Did you manage to get rid of... you know, the distraction?"
"Oh, Willow?" Derek laughed, taking a sip of his coffee. "Yeah. She’s staying with her mother for a few weeks. The surgery had some... complications, and frankly, I didn't have the time to deal with her drama while I’m taking over the regional division. She was dragging me down."
"You did the right thing," Chloe smiled. "A man in your position needs a partner who reflects his success."
The heavy oak doors of the conference room swung open, and the CEO of Apex Logistics, Richard Sterling, walked in. His face, usually warm and welcoming, was completely pale. He was followed by three men in dark, tailored suits and two uniformed police officers.
Derek’s smile faltered. He stood up, smoothing his tie. "Richard! Morning. We’re ready for the presentation whenever you are—"
"Shut up, Derek," Richard said, his voice shaking.
"Excuse me?"
One of the men in the dark suits—my father's personal attorney, Mr. Arthur Sterling—stepped forward, laying a thick manila folder on the glass table.
"Mr. Vale," Arthur said, his tone dry and clinical. "As of 8:00 AM this morning, Vance Logistics and Shipping has acquired a ninety-percent controlling interest in Apex Logistics. We have officially bought out your company’s outstanding debt and assumed control of the board."
Derek’s jaw dropped. "Vance... Vance Logistics? What does that have to do with me? I’m the lead on the regional acquisitions!"
"You were an employee of Apex Logistics," Arthur corrected. "But as of five minutes ago, your employment has been terminated for cause."
"For cause?" Derek yelled, his face turning an angry, blotchy red. "On what grounds? I’ve brought in more revenue this quarter than anyone else!"
"The grounds of gross moral turpitude, corporate credit fraud, and grand larceny," Arthur said, pulling a document from the folder. "We have reviewed the company credit union records. The white Chevy Tahoe you are currently driving was financed using a fraudulent corporate guarantee. Since the company is now owned by the Vance family, we are calling the loan immediately. The vehicle is being repossessed as we speak."
"You can't do this!" Chloe shrieked, standing up. "This is harassment!"
"And as for your personal life, Mr. Vale," Arthur continued, completely ignoring her. "The state police have issued a warrant for your arrest on charges of felony domestic assault, reckless endangerment, and attempted murder of your wife, Willow Vance."
The two uniformed officers stepped forward, their handcuffs rattling.
"Derek Vale," the lead officer said. "Put your hands behind your back."
"Willow... Vance?" Derek whispered, his voice suddenly losing all of its volume. The color drained from his face until he looked like a corpse. "No. Her name is Willow Carter. Her father is... she told me her family had some modest business in the south..."
"Her father is Julian Vance," Arthur said, leaning over the table until his eyes were inches from Derek's. "The man who owns the highway you left her on. The man who owns the hospital she is currently recovering in. And the man who is going to spend every single dollar of his multi-billion-dollar fortune to ensure you never see the light of day again."
"No," Derek stammered, stepping back as the officers closed in. "No, this is a mistake! Willow! I was just... I was trying to get her to a doctor! I gave her money! I gave her twenty dollars for a taxi!"
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"You threw a twenty-dollar bill at her face while she was bleeding from a surgical wound," the officer said, grabbing Derek's arm and twisting it behind his back. "Save it for the judge."
As the steel cuffs clicked around his wrists, Derek looked at Chloe, but she had already backed away to the far corner of the room, her eyes wide with terror, completely ignoring his silent pleas for help.
