Chapter 6: Return of the Heiress
The next morning, Natalie arrived at the penthouse suite of Sinclair Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the financial district.
Gone was the simple linen dress. She wore an immaculate midnight-blue tailored pantsuit, her dark hair swept back in elegant waves, and a diamond brooch—the crest of the Sinclair family—glistening on her lapel.
The entire executive team of Sinclair Consortium stood in two neat lines, bowing deeply as she walked into the executive boardroom.
“Welcome back, Chairwoman Sinclair!”
Natalie sat down at the head of the mahogany conference table. Standing beside her was Lucas Vance, the brilliant younger half-brother of Chloe Vance. Unlike his greedy sister, Lucas was a top financial strategist who had been disowned by the Vance family years ago for refusing to participate in their corrupt schemes.
“Lucas,” Natalie addressed him. “Is everything prepared?”
“Yes, Chairwoman,” Lucas replied respectfully, handing her a blue dossier. “The press release regarding Sinclair’s severing of ties with Carter Luxury Group has been drafted. Additionally, the emergency audit of Carter Group’s finances reveals that Ethan Carter has been falsifying quarterly earnings to keep his stock prices inflated.”
“Publish the statement immediately,” Natalie commanded. “And notify the SEC.”
Meanwhile, across town at the headquarters of Carter Group, Ethan was sipping champagne in his spacious corner office.
Chloe was sitting on his desk, admiring a diamond ring Ethan had bought her using company funds.
“Ethan, darling,” Chloe purred. “Now that Natalie is gone, when are we going to announce our engagement to the media?”
Ethan smirked, puffing on a cigar. “Soon, babe. First, I need to sign the fifty-million-dollar strategic investment contract with Sinclair Consortium’s representative today. Once Sinclair’s money lands in our account, Carter Group will be worth billions, and I’ll make you the richest woman in the city!”
Just then, his secretary burst into the office, pale and dripping with sweat.
“Mr. Carter! Something terrible has happened!”
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