Thomas: All board members are present, Mr. Vance.
Arthur: Good. Let us begin the emergency meeting.
Three days later, the top floor of the Vance Tower skyscraper in downtown Chicago was quiet and tense. Ten wealthy corporate board members sat around a massive mahogany table, watching as Arthur walked in, holding Maya's hand firmly.
Board Member 1: Arthur, we heard about Victoria's arrest. The news is plastered across every financial paper in the state.
Arthur: Victoria Sterling will spend the rest of her natural life in a state prison facility.
Board Member 2: What happens to her fifteen percent share in this corporation?
Arthur: According to the original charter, any shares acquired through fraudulent or criminal means are automatically forfeited to the primary estate.
Arthur pulled out a chair next to his own at the head of the table, smiling down at Maya as she sat down in a sharp tailored suit.
Arthur: I would like to officially introduce the new Vice President of Vance Enterprises, my daughter, Lily Vance.
Board Member 1: Vice President? Arthur, with all due respect, she has no corporate experience!
Maya: I may not have sat in a boardroom before, gentlemen, but I know how to run a business from the ground up.
The room went quiet as Maya opened her leather portfolio, her voice clear, confident, and steady.
Maya: I spent five years managing logistics for a commercial catering firm while working sixteen-hour days. I know where every dollar in a supply chain goes, and I know when a company is wasting money on corrupt contractors.
Board Member 2: She... she actually makes a very good point.
Maya: My first order of business is redirecting Victoria’s forfeited shares into a trust fund that provides housing and college scholarships for kids aging out of foster care.
Arthur looked at his daughter with tears of pride in his eyes, clapping his hands together as the rest of the board slowly joined in, applauding her speech.
Arthur: The motion is passed unanimously. Welcome to the family business, my girl.
Maya: Thank you, Dad. I won't let you down.
Arthur: You could never let me down. You're the best thing that ever happened to this company.