Chapter 4: The Collapse
Eleanor Price stood.
“That’s enough.”
The room froze instantly.
“Three weeks ago,” she said, “Ms. Sloan submitted evidence of misconduct to the board.”
A murmur spread.
“Mr. Cross has resigned.”
Dead silence.
Julian lowered his head.
Claire removed her wedding ring and placed it on the table.
The sound echoed.
“Effective immediately,” Eleanor continued, “Avery Sloan is interim CEO.”
Shock rippled again.
But this time—
It wasn’t disbelief.
It was recognition.
Avery hadn’t just exposed the truth.
She had already won.
Caroline turned to Julian. “You knew?”
He said nothing.
That silence destroyed her.
“You ruined us,” she whispered.
Avery stepped closer.
“You buried yourselves,” she said softly. “I just moved.”
Security approached.
Julian went quietly.
Caroline didn’t.
“Don’t touch me!”
Owen’s voice cut through.
“For once… stop making it worse.”
She went still.
And for the first time—
Caroline Mercer looked small.
