Chapter 15 - THE VOTE
The boardroom was full. Vanessa sat in Julian's usual seat with attorneys behind her and proxy papers before the chairman.
"You're not authorized to be here," Cesare said.
Vanessa smiled. "According to Julian's signed proxy, I am."
Julian entered behind Cesare.
Every head turned.
Vanessa's smile weakened.
The chairman cleared his throat. "Julian, do you revoke the proxy?"
"Yes. Immediately."
One of Vanessa's attorneys stood. "The proxy is irrevocable through the merger vote."
Marta placed a folder on the table.
"Not if it was obtained through fraud connected to criminal activity."
Vanessa laughed. "You have allegations."
"We have bank records."
"Circumstantial."
"We have Ethan's boxes."
A flicker.
"Stolen documents can be manufactured."
Cesare sat at the head of the table.
"We also have your voice message."
This time, Vanessa didn't answer.
Marta connected a laptop to the screen and played the recording.
You idiot, the blue pages were supposed to be burned...
One investor disconnected. The other demanded counsel.
Vanessa stood. "This meeting is adjourned."
Cesare said, "Sit down."
She ignored him.
Then the boardroom doors opened.
Erin Cole entered with two detectives.
Vanessa stared at her mother.
"What are you doing here?"
Erin's face was wet with tears.
"Fixing one thing before I die ashamed of both my children."
She handed the detectives a small metal box.
"Ethan kept this in my apartment. He said never to open it."
Inside were two physical blue authorization stamps.
Cesare picked up the first.
Bellini Private Holdings.
The second looked almost identical.
Marta examined the bottom.
"This isn't ours. It's a duplicate."
Erin nodded toward Vanessa.
"She had it made."
Vanessa's face finally cracked.
Then every phone in the boardroom buzzed at once.
May you like
A building alert appeared on the screens.
CHILD MISSING - ELSIE BELLINI - LAST SEEN WITH UNKNOWN FEMALE, LOBBY LEVEL.
