The top-floor boardroom of Miller Enterprises overlooked the entire city skyline. High-ranking executives in expensive suits sat around the long glass conference table, talking quietly among themselves.
At the head of the table sat Amanda Reynolds, wearing a bright red dress and an arrogant smile.
Amanda: Thank you all for coming on such short notice. As you know, our former CEO, Claire Miller, has been struggling with personal issues lately.
Executive 1: Is it true she's signing over her controlling shares today?
Amanda: Yes. Her husband, Daniel, assured me the paperwork is being finalized as we speak. I will be taking over as interim CEO by five o'clock.
The heavy boardroom doors clicked open. Claire stepped inside, followed by Mr. Harrison and two uniformed police officers.
Amanda’s smile instantly vanished.
Amanda: Claire? What are you doing here? This is an executive board meeting.
Claire: I know. And as owner of seventy-two percent of Miller Enterprises stock, I am chairing it.
Amanda: That's impossible! Daniel said you signed the release agreement!
Claire: Daniel lied to you, Amanda. Just like he lied to his mother and his bookies.
Claire walked to the head of the table, standing directly behind Amanda’s chair.
Claire: Get out of my seat.
Amanda stood up slowly, her hands trembling as she grabbed her tablet.
Amanda: You can't just barge in here with cops, Claire! This is a corporate environment!
Lawyer: Miss Reynolds, those officers are here for you.
Amanda: What?! For what?!
Lawyer: Wire fraud, grand larceny, and corporate espionage. We have full bank record statements showing you accepted stolen trust funds from Daniel Vance.
Amanda: That money was a loan! Daniel gave it to me for market investment!
Officer: Amanda Reynolds, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
The officer stepped forward, clicking heavy steel handcuffs around Amanda’s wrists in front of the entire board of directors.
Amanda: Claire, please! Don't do this! I was just doing what Daniel told me to do!
Claire: You tried to steal my father's company, Amanda. You deserve everything coming to you.
Executive 2: My God... she was stealing from the corporate accounts?
Claire: She and Daniel transferred over two million dollars out of our development trust. But every single cent has been traced and recovered.
Amanda sobbed loudly as the officers led her out of the boardroom, her red dress disheveled as the executives shook their heads in disgust.
Claire sat down in the high-backed leather chair at the head of the table, straightening her jacket.
Claire: Now, gentlemen... let's get back to business.