Chapter 6 - The Trap is Set
By four o'clock in the morning, Northridge Manor had been turned into a high-security tactical command center.
The Chief of Police, Inquisitor Marcus Thorne—a trusted long-time ally of Eleanor’s—stood in the library alongside Arthur and Eleanor. On the central mahogany table lay the confiscated satellite phone taken from Thomas, along with full forensic trace reports linking the poison compound directly to a private medical facility owned secretly by Richard Vance.
Thomas had broken under twenty minutes of police interrogation in the basement study, revealing everything: the plan to poison Eleanor, the order to frame Emily for the crime, and Richard’s plan to seize control of Vanguard Group at nine o'clock that morning.
"We have enough to arrest Richard right now at his penthouse, Madam Vanguard," Chief Thorne stated, adjusting his official leather gloves. "Attempted murder, high treason against corporate statutes, and conspiracy."
"No," Eleanor said firmly, sitting behind her executive desk, her gray eyes burning like cold steel. "If you arrest him at his home, his legal team will file endless motions, suppress the satellite logs, and delay the trial for years. He will spin it as a corporate smear campaign before the shareholder vote."
Emily, who was sitting in an armchair with an ice pack on her bruised neck, looked up. "He wants to take over the company in front of everyone at nine o'clock, doesn't he?"
Eleanor looked at Emily, a cold, approving smile touching her lips. "Yes, Emily. He wants his victory on the public stage."
"Then give it to him," Emily said softly, her voice carrying a calm, steady strength that made Chief Thorne pause. "Let him walk onto that stage thinking he won. Let him think you’re dead or incapacitated. When he tries to take the crown... drop the trap."
Arthur chuckled softly under his breath. "The young lady has the mind of a strategist, Madam Director."
Eleanor stood up from her desk, her presence filling the room with an aura of supreme authority.
"Arthur, notify the media that I suffered a severe 'medical relapse' overnight and am currently confined to the intensive care unit at Vanguard Central Hospital," Eleanor commanded. "Ensure that Richard receives this news through his private channels."
"Understood, Madam," Arthur bowed.
"And Chief Thorne," Eleanor continued, "prepare a full tactical unit. They will be stationed inside the AV control room of Vanguard Tower."
Eleanor turned to Emily, offering her hand.
May you like
"Emily, today you wore silk pajamas to bed," Eleanor smiled warmly. "By eight o'clock, you are going to wear the finest tailored suit in this city. You are coming to the boardroom with me... as my officially appointed personal observer."
Emily took Eleanor’s hand, feeling the fear leave her body, replaced by a surge of pure determination. "I’m ready, Mrs. Vanguard."
