An hour later, the grand lobby of the corporate headquarters was packed with dozens of reporters and flashing news cameras. Microphones were stacked high on the wooden podium.
Julian stood in the hallway behind the stage, his suit wrinkled and his face pale as he watched the monitors[cite: 1]. Two police officers stood right beside him, keeping a firm hand on his shoulder[cite: 1].
Julian: Can't you turn that off? I don't want to watch this![cite: 1]
Police Officer: Stay quiet, Mr. Vance[cite: 1]. You're in custody.
Victoria stepped onto the stage, dressed in an elegant white suit that covered her shoulders, though a neat bandage was visible on her cheek. The room went dead silent as she approached the microphones.
Victoria: Good evening, everyone. Thank you for coming on such short notice.
Reporter 1: Mrs. Vance! Is it true that Julian Vance has been ousted from the board?[cite: 1]
Victoria: Yes. As of thirty minutes ago, Julian Vance has been stripped of all executive authority[cite: 1].
Reporter 2: What happened to your face, Victoria?
Victoria turned her head slightly, letting the bright stage lights illuminate the cut on her cheek. She reached into her pocket, pulling out a small flash drive.
Victoria: Tonight, during a private dinner, my former husband attempted to physically force me to sign away my family's heritage[cite: 1].
A collective gasp echoed through the room.
Victoria: The entire incident was captured on security footage[cite: 1]. I have turned this evidence directly over to the District Attorney's office.
In the hallway, Julian's knees buckled[cite: 1]. The police officer held him upright, tightening his grip[cite: 1].
Julian: She ruined me... she completely ruined me...[cite: 1]
Police Officer: You ruined yourself the second you put hands on her, pal[cite: 1].
On stage, Arthur stepped up beside his daughter, placing a proud hand on her back[cite: 1].
Arthur: As the primary shareholder of the parent corporation, I am officially appointing Victoria as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately[cite: 1].
The room erupted into applause as reporters scrambled to file their breaking news stories. Victoria looked directly into the central camera lens, her expression cold and unwavering.
Victoria: To anyone who thinks they can use violence or fear to control others... remember tonight[cite: 1].
She turned and walked off the stage, leaving the noise of the press behind her.