The officer read the papers, then looked at the license. He radioed it in for a double-check. A moment later, the radio crackled back. Everything is clean. Vehicle is registered to a Marcus Vance.
Chapter 7: A Shattered Illusion The officer handed the documents back to Marcus with a respectful nod. "Apologies for the inconvenience, Mr. Vance. Everything is in order."
Eleanor’s jaw dropped. "What? No! That's impossible. Check it again! The papers must be forged! The car is stolen!"
The officer turned to Eleanor, his expression hardening. "Ma'am, the vehicle is registered in his name. There is no crime being committed here, aside from a potentially false police report on your end. I suggest you go about your day."
Marcus looked at Eleanor, his calm demeanor never wavering. "Have a good day, ma'am. I suggest you head upstairs. You wouldn't want to be late for your 9:00 AM meeting."
Eleanor felt a cold shiver run down her spine. How did he know about her 9:00 AM meeting? Flustered and furious, she spun on her heel and stormed toward the elevator, her face burning with humiliation.
Up on the 50th floor, the atmosphere in the boardroom was incredibly tense. Eleanor sat at the head of the long mahogany table, surrounded by her board of directors. They were waiting for the representative of Vanguard Holdings, the private equity firm that had quietly bought out multiple minor shareholders over the past month.