Chapter 5 - The Liquidation
The venture capitalists in the front row erupted. Phones were suddenly pulled out. The tech journalists began typing frantically.
"As of eight o'clock this morning," Emily announced over the rising chaos, "I have officially exercised my rights as the sole patent holder to revoke Kane Meridian's licensing agreement, effective immediately. Furthermore, I have filed a corporate restructuring order terminating James Kane as CEO for gross negligence and breach of fiduciary duty."
"You can't do that!" James screamed, his polished, visionary persona shattering into a million pieces. "That's my company! I built it! You're ruining me!"
"I didn't ruin you, James," Emily said coldly. "I'm just repossessing the furniture."
She dropped the microphone. It landed on the marble floor with a sharp, piercing thud.
Emily didn't run. She walked back down the aisle at a steady, measured pace. She passed Jessica, who was sobbing uncontrollably. She passed the investors, who were already swarming James at the altar, shouting about fraud and frozen assets. She passed Daniel Price, who looked like he was about to be violently ill.
Emily pushed open the heavy conservatory doors and stepped out into the crisp, freezing New York air. Joe was waiting by the curb in the black sedan, the engine running and the back door open.
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"To the airport, Ms. Miller?" Joe asked, a small, genuine smile playing on his lips.
"Yes, Joe," Emily said, sliding into the warmth of the car, leaving the wreckage of James Kane's life far behind her. "It's time for a vacation."
