The morning sun shone bright and clear through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Sterling Enterprises boardroom on the forty-fifth floor.
Twelve wealthy board members sat around the massive glass table, murmuring nervously as they checked their watches.
At the head of the table sat Arthur Pendelton, the elderly chairman of the board, looking confused as he scanned the empty chairs meant for Richard and Jason Vance.
Arthur: Where is Richard? He specifically requested this emergency morning session to discuss the leadership takeover.
The double mahogany doors at the back of the boardroom swung open, and Mark stepped inside wearing a tailored navy suit, his knuckles bruised but neatly wrapped in medical tape.
Attorney Carter walked right beside him, carrying a heavy stack of legal binders.
Mark: Good morning, gentlemen. I apologize for my late arrival.
Arthur: Mark! What happened to your face and hands? And where is your brother-in-law, Richard?
Mark: Richard won't be attending today's meeting, Arthur. Or any future meetings for that matter.
Mark set the blue leather folder down on the glass table with a solid, authoritative thud.
Board Member 1: What is going on here, Mark? Richard claimed yesterday that you lost the original patent deeds for the solar drive project!
Attorney Carter: Richard lied to you all. Last night, Richard's son broke into Mr. Sterling's private residence, assaulted a family member, and stole those very deeds from his safe.
The boardroom erupted into loud, shocking gasps as the board members looked at each other in utter disbelief.
Board Member 2: Is this true?! That's felony grand theft!
Mark: Both Richard and Jason were arrested by the city police at eleven o'clock last night at the Grand Regent Hotel.
Mark opened the legal binder, sliding certified copies of the police arrest report and the security camera footage across the table to Arthur Pendelton.
Arthur: My God... look at this video. He struck poor Sarah right in her own kitchen!
Mark: They tried to destroy my family, steal my life's work, and humiliate my daughters in their own home.
Arthur: This is an absolute disgrace to the Sterling name! I move for an immediate vote to strip Richard Vance of all board voting rights and force the sale of his shares back to the company trust!
Board Member 1: I second the motion!
Board Member 2: I third it! Vote him out immediately!
Arthur raised his hand, looking around the room as every single board member raised their hand in unanimous agreement.
Arthur: Motion passed unanimously. Richard Vance is hereby removed from Sterling Enterprises permanently.
Mark stood tall at the head of the long table, feeling the heavy weight that had burdened his family for months finally lift away.
Mark: Thank you, gentlemen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a promise to keep to my daughters.