The next morning, the grand boardroom of Vance Industries felt unusually tense. Richard sat at the head of the table, flanked by his anxious board members, while Stella hovered in the background, her face etched with worry. Opposite them, Aurora sat composed, radiating an intimidating aura, with Mr. Hayes standing silently behind her.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Aurora began, her voice calm and authoritative. "Let's get straight to business. Phoenix Holdings is offering to acquire Vance Industries."
One of the board members, a portly man named Mr. Thompson, scoffed. "Acquire us? Ms. Vance, with all due respect, Vance Industries is not for sale."
Aurora's eyes narrowed. "Perhaps not willingly, Mr. Thompson. But let's look at the facts. Your company's debt is astronomical. Your stock has plummeted. Your core assets are depreciating, and your recent ventures have been catastrophic failures. Unless a miracle happens, Vance Industries will be filing for bankruptcy within the month."
She then projected a series of charts and graphs onto the screen, detailing every financial misstep and hidden debt of Vance Industries with frightening accuracy. Richard felt a cold dread settle in his stomach. How did she know all this? These were figures even he had struggled to keep track of.
"Phoenix Holdings is offering a buyout that will cover all debts and provide a substantial severance package for your employees," Aurora continued, her voice unwavering. "It's a generous offer, considering the state of your company."
"This is blackmail!" Richard roared, slamming his fist on the table. "You're trying to steal my company!"
Aurora met his furious gaze, her own eyes devoid of emotion. "Steal? Richard, you stole my company. You stole my future. This is simply me reclaiming what was rightfully mine."
Mr. Hayes then placed a thick folder in front of each board member. "These are detailed reports on Mr. Richard Vance's recent 'transactions'—specifically, the illegal transfer of funds from Thorne Industries accounts five years ago. Evidence that was conveniently 'lost' during the initial investigation."
The board members gasped, their eyes wide with shock as they began to flip through the incriminating documents. Richard's face went ashen. He had thought those files were destroyed!
"You're facing a choice, gentlemen," Aurora stated, leaning forward slightly. "Accept our acquisition, save your company from complete ruin, and distance yourselves from the illegal activities of your current CEO. Or face legal repercussions, public scandal, and the complete collapse of Vance Industries."
The board members looked at each other, then at Richard, their expressions shifting from anger to fear. The writing was on the wall. Richard Vance was cornered, and Aurora Vance held all the cards.