Chapter 8 - The Fall of Hail Property
The boardroom descended into absolute chaos.
"Franklin! What is this?!" one of the primary board members shouted, standing up and pointing at the screen. "Is this how your son conducts himself at high-profile charity events?!"
"It was a misunderstanding!" Franklin stammered, his calm authority completely collapsing. "The girl was hysterical! My son was just—"
"Your son tore my dress because I refused to date him," Camille interrupted, her voice booming with undisputed authority. "And then you, Franklin, attempted to ruin the life of an honorable veteran—a single father—who had the dignity to protect me when your son acted like an animal."
Franklin looked over at Gabriel, his lips trembling. "Vance... listen to me. We can work this out. I'll double your salary... I'll give you whatever you want!"
Gabriel stepped forward, standing right beside Camille. He looked down at Franklin with quiet, absolute disdain.
"You told me in Mr. Pendelton's office that money buys everything, Mr. Hail," Gabriel said softly. "It bought you a lot of quiet for a long time. But it doesn't buy dignity. And it doesn't buy me."
Camille turned back to the terrified board members. "You have ten minutes before the stock market opens. You can either remove Franklin and Ricket Hail from executive management immediately and accept my restructured debt agreement, or I default your notes at 9:01 AM and take full control of Hail Property Group through bankruptcy court."
The lead board member didn't hesitate for a single second. He looked at Franklin and Ricket with cold, ruthless efficiency.
"Security," the board member ordered, pointing at the two Hails. "Escort Mr. Hail and his son out of the building. Their executive access is terminated immediately."
"You can't do this! This is my company!" Franklin screamed as his own security guards grabbed his arms, pulling him away from the table.
Ricket looked at Gabriel, his eyes filled with pure terror and defeat. As the guards dragged him past Gabriel, the former SEAL leaned in slightly.
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"I told you you were going to listen to me," Gabriel whispered.
Ricket was dragged out of the boardroom weeping, his wealth, his reputation, and his future stripped away in a matter of minutes.
