It was replaced by a live video feed. The room gasped. On the screen sat Elena Vance. She was sitting in a high-backed leather chair in a sleek, modern office.
She wasn't wearing an apron. She was wearing a tailored white suit that screamed authority. Next to her sat Marcus Sterling. Hello, Julian.
Elena's voice boomed through the conference room speakers. It was crisp, clear, and terrifyingly calm. Julian stared at the screen, his mouth agape. You, what is this?
Why are you on my screen? I'm calling to discuss the terms of your loan, Elena said, folding her hands on her desk. Clause 14, section C of the agreement you signed on Saturday night. The material adverse change clause.
Julian felt a cold sweat break out down his back. What are you talking about? The agreement states, Elena continued reciting from memory, that if the borrower Thorn Dynamics becomes the subject of a federal investigation, or if the collateral assets are deemed to have a negative value due to environmental toxicity, the lender Vanguard Shadow has the right to call the loan immediately. She paused for effect.
I am calling the loan Julian. All $150 million plus the 20% default penalty payable immediately. I don't have that cash. Julian screamed at the screen, ignoring the federal agents who were now seizing laptops around him.
I just spent it on the steel mill. You know that you gave me the money. I know, Elena said coldly. And since you cannot pay cash, I am exercising the collateral option.
Clause 15. Julian froze. He remembered the collateral. He had pledged his personal controlling stake in Thorn Dynamics because he was so sure nothing would go wrong.
"You can't," Julian whispered. "It's already done." Marcus Sterling spoke up from beside Elena. Our lawyers filed the lien 10 minutes ago when the EPA raid was confirmed. Your shares have been transferred to Vanguard Shadow to satisfy the debt.
Elena leaned into the camera, her eyes locked with Julian's across the digital divide. You don't own Thorn Dynamics anymore, Julian. I do. The silence in the boardroom was absolute.
The federal agents even paused to watch the drama unfold. Julian looked at his executives. They were looking at the screen, looking at their new boss. They were already calculating how to survive.
Julian was dead weight. This is illegal. Julian shrieked, grabbing the table. You set me up.
You tricked me. She's a waitress. She served me bread three days ago. I served you a lesson.
Elena corrected him. You judged me by my uniform. You assumed that because I was serving you food, I was beneath you. You thought your money made you a god.