“This means the transfer of the estate’s primary shares was invalid,” Mr. Sterling said.

“It means Emily and I hold the majority of the voting rights,” Nathan said.

He looked around the table, his gaze steady.

“We are calling for an immediate vote to remove Eleanor Vance from this board,” Nathan said.

Eleanor slowly sat back down in her leather chair.

She looked at the men and women she had ruled for decades.

None of them would meet her eye.

“You cannot do this,” she whispered.

“We can,” Nathan said.

He looked at Mr. Sterling.

“Call the vote,” Nathan said.

Mr. Sterling cleared his throat and stood up.

He looked at the papers, then at the phone, and finally at Eleanor.

“All those in favor of the immediate removal of Eleanor Vance,” Mr. Sterling began.

Before he could finish, the heavy doors of the boardroom opened again.

Two men in dark suits with badges pinned to their lapels walked in.

Behind them was a local police officer in a blue uniform.

“Eleanor Vance?” the lead detective asked.

The room froze.