CHAPTER 27:The Reckoning Room

The boardroom was full, every seat claimed, every camera calibrated.

It wasn't just another meeting. It was a war table.

Anita entered in silence. No entourage. No pretense.

She wore a deep navy suit—sharp lines, understated power—and the same phoenix pin on her lapel. A signal only she truly understood.

She took her seat at the head of the long, gleaming table. Marcus's old seat.

He hadn't arrived.

Not yet.

Across the city, Marcus moved through a private server room with Cameron at his side. The last trick in his arsenal—data files, selectively edited, meant to implicate Anita in falsifying internal documents.

Cameron hesitated. "If this fails, it destroys everything. Including you."

Marcus's eyes were glass.

"Then I'll take her with me."

He didn't see the flicker of doubt on Cameron's face—or the hesitation in his fingers as he handled the files.

Back in the boardroom, Anita began.

"This isn't about revenge," she said, her voice calm but cold. "This is about restoration."

She tapped the sleek tablet in front of her, sending digital files to every board member. Financial trails. Communications. Evidence of unauthorized offshore activity. And a brief, final statement:

"The rot ends today."

The room was silent as files opened. As expressions shifted.

And then the doors burst open.

Marcus.

Disheveled. Breathing heavy. Rage in every step.

"This is a lie," he said, slamming his own folder onto the table. "She doctored these. I have proof."

Anita didn't flinch.

"I thought you might try that," she said. "Which is why I invited a guest."

From the side entrance, Elena Bishop stepped forward—with Julian beside her. Two executives Marcus once trusted. Now standing behind Anita.

"Your files have metadata discrepancies," Julian said. "Sloppy ones."

Elena added, "And Cameron's already confirmed he was coerced. He's submitted a signed affidavit."

Marcus stared at them.

He had nothing left but breath.

And even that was shaking.

The chairman looked around the room. Then he turned to Anita.

"Ms. George. Do you have a motion?"

She nodded. "Motion to remove Marcus Delaney from all executive and advisory roles within GNV, effective immediately."

"Seconded," said Martin.

A pause.

Then a chorus of ayes.

And just like that—it was done.

Marcus stood frozen.

He opened his mouth.

But no one was listening anymore.

Later, as the board filed out, Anita remained alone by the window.

Julian lingered. "You did it."

Anita didn't turn to face him. "No. I started it."

Because the real rebuild—of the company, of herself—had only just begin.