Daniel stared at the screen.
“You chose fraud.”
Vanessa looked toward the control booth.
“And you chose to humiliate me publicly because you believed I had no power.”
The room was silent.
“You once told me I had no identity without your last name.”
I paused.
“So allow me to introduce myself correctly.”
Daniel’s expression collapsed.
“My name is Claire Vale.”
Arthur remained beside the stage.
“I am the owner and chairwoman of Vale Meridian Holdings and its subsidiaries.”
Several guests turned toward Daniel.
“I also own the hotel you are standing inside.”
He took one step backward.
I continued.
“Your contracts are being reviewed.”
“Your board has received the evidence.”
“My attorneys have initiated the appropriate civil actions.”
“And the people who invested their money in your company now know how you used it.”
Vanessa suddenly screamed toward the projection booth.
“Turn that off!”
No one moved.
Then came my final sentence.
“Enjoy the reception, Daniel.”
I looked directly into the camera.
“It will be the last event one of my companies ever hosts for you.”
The screen went black.
Daniel didn’t explode.
He didn’t shout.
He didn’t throw anything.
His reaction was quieter than that.
His knees seemed to lose their strength.
His mouth opened, but no words came out.
His face collapsed as the people nearest him slowly began stepping away.
One after another.
Investors.
Colleagues.
Friends.
Business partners.
Nobody wanted to stand beside him anymore.
