Chapter 5 - The Emergency Summit
Monday morning arrived with a clear, sharp autumn sky over downtown Charlotte.
Derek Cross arrived at the Vanguard Commercial headquarters forty-five minutes early, stepping out of Lauren’s convertible with an aura of supreme confidence. The weekend in Atlanta had exceeded his wild expectations. Lauren’s father had informally agreed to transfer three prime commercial development listings to his name, provided Derek was appointed head of regional accounts.
He adjusted his silk tie in the lobby’s mirrored pillars, greeting the security guards with a smug, casual nod.
“Big day, Mr. Cross,” the receptionist said nervously. “All senior staff were summoned to Conference Room A on the fortieth floor. The board members from the parent holding company arrived from New York and Charlotte forty minutes ago.”
“Thank you, Cindy,” Derek said smoothly, flashing a dazzling smile. “I’m fully prepared.”
He took the express elevator to the executive floor, his mind already calculating his impending six-figure base salary increase. When he entered the boardroom, he noticed an unusual tension in the air. The firm’s top executives, including the current regional director, Marcus Vance, sat rigid in their leather chairs, speaking in hushed, anxious whispers.
Derek took his seat near the middle of the long mahogany table, smiling at his direct supervisor. “Morning, Marcus. Word on the street is the holding company is making major announcements today.”
Marcus glanced at Derek with an exhausted, grim expression. “Keep your voice down, Cross. Prescott Capital’s primary legal counsel arrived in person. When Arthur Vance shows up without prior notice, it means heads are rolling from the very top.”
Derek smirked inwardly. Let the old guard tremble. His youth, his connection to the Pike family, and his weekend portfolio win would make him indispensable.
At precisely nine o'clock, the double oak doors at the front of the boardroom swung open.
Arthur Vance entered first, carrying a stack of leather-bound dossiers. He didn't look at anyone at the table. He stood beside the head of the conference table, adjusted his glasses, and cleared his throat.
“Gentlemen and ladies,” Vance announced in a commanding voice that silenced the entire room. “As of eight o’clock this morning, Prescott Capital has officially restructured the governing executive board of Vanguard Commercial. The former regional director has been reassigned to our secondary logistics sector in Detroit.”
A collective gasp rippled through the executives. Marcus’s face paled.
“Furthermore,” Vance continued, his eyes sweeping across the table before resting briefly on Derek with a gaze colder than deep space, “Mr. Julian Prescott has officially appointed his sole legal heir and the new majority voting proxy as Executive Chairwoman and Managing Director of Vanguard Commercial Properties.”
Derek leaned forward, eager to see the mysterious billionaire heiress who now controlled his destiny. If he could charm her the way he charmed Lauren, his rise would be unstoppable.
The double doors opened wider.
The click of designer stilettos echoed across the marble threshold.
A woman stepped into the boardroom, flanked by two private security officers. Her sapphire-blue suit was tailored with exquisite precision. Her chestnut hair framed a face of breathtaking poise and unyielding authority. Resting just beneath her collarbone, shimmering with brilliant azure light, was a twenty-carat sapphire pendant.
Derek’s breath caught in his throat. His entire body turned to ice.
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The woman took her seat at the head of the table. She opened a thin leather folder, clasped her hands together, and looked straight down the length of the mahogany boardroom table directly into Derek’s eyes.
“Good morning, everyone,” Natalie said, her voice echoing with crystal clarity. “My name is Natalie Prescott. Let us begin our review.”
