“It won’t just be a press disaster,” Alexander said. “It is fraud. It is corporate embezzlement.”

He looked directly at his mother.

“And it was done to cover up the existence of my children,” Alexander said.

Victoria stood up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“They are not your children!” she shrieked, her composure finally shattering. “They are the spawn of a gold-digger who wanted to ruin this company!”

The board members stared at her, shocked by her outburst.

Victoria realized her mistake almost instantly.

She smoothed her jacket, trying to regain her calm, but her breathing was shallow and fast.

“Alexander is emotional,” Victoria said, turning to the board. “He is letting his personal feelings cloud his judgment. He is unfit to lead.”

“I am the CEO,” Alexander said. “And I am calling for a vote.”

He looked at Arthur.

“Under Section 4, Paragraph B of the Sterling Holdings corporate charter,” Alexander said, “any board member engaged in illegal activity using company funds must be immediately suspended, and their shares stripped of voting power pending legal resolution.”

Victoria’s eyes widened.