Chapter 4 - The Second Strike
Clara's phone buzzed again at exactly 9:15 AM.
It was the CEO of Sterling Resorts.
The man who had fired her mother twenty-three years ago.
"Miss Mason," he said, his voice trembling. "I don't understand what's happening."
She smiled into the receiver.
"Mr. Caldwell, you're being removed from your position effective immediately."
"On what grounds?"
"Gross negligence. Financial mismanagement. And the fact that I own sixty-two percent of your company."
"You bought my shares?"
"All of them."
"From whom?"
"From the board members you've been cheating for the last decade."
He went silent.
"Security will escort you out in thirty minutes," Clara continued. "Please pack your personal belongings. The company car will be returned by noon."
"You can't do this."
"I already have."
She hung up and leaned back in her chair.
Julia entered the office.
"The press is outside. They're demanding a statement."
"Tell them I'll speak at 2:00 PM."
"Anything else?"
Clara stood and walked to the window.
"Prepare the acquisition documents for Whitestone's sister property."
"Sterling's second resort, the one Patricia Whitlock inherited from her father."
"We're buying that too?"
"We're not buying it, Julia. We're foreclosing on it."
Julia blinked.
"I didn't know it was in financial trouble."
"It isn't."
"Then how—"
"Because I bought the bank that holds the mortgage."
Clara turned with a calm smile.
May you like
"Patricia thought she was safe. She thought her family's fortune would protect her from the housekeeper's daughter."
"She was wrong."
