Chapter 4: The Boardroom Mirage
Across town, the atmosphere in the penthouse boardroom of Lumina Tech was thick with tension. The massive mahogany table was surrounded by the company's executive board. At the head of the table sat David Vance, looking pale and sweating through his custom-tailored suit.
Standing behind him, a commanding presence in a charcoal pantsuit, was Evelyn. Technically, she held no official position at the company, but her financial backing in the early days gave her a permanent, looming shadow over the board's operations.
"As you all know," David started, clearing his throat nervously. "Clara was involved in a severe car accident two days ago. She is currently in the intensive care unit. The prognosis is... uncertain."
Murmurs of shock and concern rippled through the executives.
Evelyn stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder. "It is a tragic situation," she said, her voice smooth and deeply sympathetic. "David is beside himself with grief. However, we all know that the tech industry waits for no one. The upcoming merger with Apex Dynamics is entirely dependent on strong, stable leadership."
"What are you proposing, Evelyn?" asked Richard, the Chief Operating Officer, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. He was one of Clara's oldest friends and didn't trust the Vances.
"I am proposing a temporary, emergency transfer of CEO powers to David," Evelyn stated smoothly. "Under the company bylaws, Section 4, if the acting CEO is medically incapacitated, the CFO may assume the mantle to ensure business continuity. We have the paperwork drafted. We simply need a majority vote."
Richard frowned. "Incapacitated? I heard she was awake and talking."
David flinched, but Evelyn didn't miss a beat. "She is awake, yes, but heavily medicated and suffering from severe psychological trauma. She isn't in her right mind, Richard. For the sake of the company, David needs to steer the ship until she recovers."
Evelyn looked around the table, making eye contact with the board members she had spent years quietly courting and bribing behind Clara's back. She saw the subtle nods of compliance. They had the votes.
"Let's put it to a vote," David said quickly, eager to get it over with. "All in favor of invoking Section 4?"
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Hands began to rise around the table. Evelyn allowed a thin, triumphant smile to touch her lips. The company was finally theirs.
Before Richard could formally register his vehement objection, the heavy frosted glass doors of the boardroom swung open with a violent crash.
