“The original deeds and partnership agreements were illegally altered.”

“Elias Cross, the co-founder of the original firm, was wrongfully stripped of his shares.”

A murmur ran through the crowd.

“And today,” Julian continued, “I am here to announce a complete restructuring.”

“Effective immediately, Valerie Cross is recognized as the sole legal heir to the Cross estate.”

“This estate holds the controlling interest in the Sterling Group.”

The ballroom erupted into noise.

Reporters stood up, shouting questions all at once.

Flashbulbs flared in a continuous, blinding sheet of white light.

Julian raised his hand, waiting for the noise to subside.

“This means that Valerie Cross is now the primary shareholder of the company,” Julian said.

“The board of directors has already been notified of the transition.”

“We are cooperating fully with federal authorities regarding the past financial misconduct.”

A reporter in the front row leaned forward.

“Mr. Sterling! Is it true that Valerie Cross was working as a housekeeper in this very house?”

Julian looked directly at the reporter.

“Yes,” Julian said. “She was.”

“She worked under an assumed name to uncover the evidence that was hidden from her family.”