CHAPTER 24 — THE BOARDROOM WAR
The scandal reached the media before sunrise.
Security footage of the attack was released anonymously.
Millions watched Isabella shove and kick Khloe.
Thorne Global’s shares collapsed.
Protesters gathered outside company headquarters.
The board called an emergency meeting.
Khloe attended by video from the hospital.
Marcus sat at the table.
Evelyn’s chair remained empty.
The directors argued over control until Khloe’s attorney placed the prenuptial appendix before them.
“All Thorne voting rights are frozen pending investigation.”
A director stood.
“You cannot remove the founding family.”
Khloe’s face appeared on the main screen.
“My father’s money saved this company. My shares are the largest lawful block remaining.”
The room went silent.
Khloe continued.
“Effective immediately, Evelyn Thorne is removed as chairwoman.”
Marcus looked toward the screen.
“And me?”
Khloe paused.
“You will remain temporarily, without independent authority.”
His expression tightened, but he nodded.
Another director spoke.
“Who will lead the company?”
Khloe looked toward Gabriel.
“My uncle.”
Gabriel took the head chair.
Before the vote could begin, every screen in the room changed.
A prerecorded video appeared.
Isabella sat in a dark room.
Her crimson gown had been replaced by a black sweater. A bruise marked her jaw.
“My name is not Isabella Rossi,” she said.
“My birth name is Arabella Cole Thorne.”
Khloe leaned closer.
Isabella continued.
“I was raised by strangers because the Thorne family believed a hidden daughter was more useful than a public one.”
She lifted a folder.
“I have evidence connecting Evelyn Thorne to three deaths, two disappearances, and the HEIRLINE program.”
The image flickered.
Then Isabella looked directly into the camera.
“Khloe, do not trust Gabriel.”
The screen went black.
May you like
Everyone turned toward the new chairman.
Gabriel did not move.
