Then the deposit slips from Lerma Services appeared, along with Mason’s statement and the photograph of Abigail with the threat on the back.
The room fell into a heavy, suffocating silence.
Preston tried to shove his way to the exit, but security guards blocked the doors.
“That janitor made it all up!” he screamed.
“A man in debt that you bought just to look after your pathetic secret!”
Darlene slowly opened the sash covering her dress, revealing a portion of her medical corset.
“Yes, I am injured,” she declared, looking at the shocked crowd.
“Some days I need help walking.”
“And the man you call the janitor has held me up more times than my entire family combined.”
“My body is hurt, Preston, but my ability to run this company certainly is not.”
“Dad always preferred you, he gave you everything because you were his favorite,” Preston sneered.
“He gave me responsibilities because I worked harder than anyone else,” she replied coldly.
“You simply confused being the founder’s son with having the right to destroy what he spent his life building.”
One of the council members formally asked for Preston to be suspended.
Then another followed suit, and his allies quickly looked away.
Prosecutor’s office personnel entered the room, and Preston was officially arrested for his involvement in sabotage, threats, and extortion.
Before they took him away, he looked at Darlene one last time, expecting to see her break down.
She was still standing tall.
When the heavy doors finally closed, her legs gave way entirely.
Blake caught her just before she hit the cold marble floor.
In a private room, while the doctor checked her blood pressure, Darlene looked at Blake with eyes full of deep anger and sadness.
