Sabotage

Chapter 12

Alice 

“Is it true you seduced Thomas for his money?”

The question hit me like a slap across the face. For a second, I couldn’t tell if I was dreaming or living a nightmare.

I rose slowly from my seat, drawing in a deep breath as I let my gaze sweep across the room.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening,” I said, my voice steady despite the storm building in my chest. “After everything I’ve poured into this company, you dare ask me that?”

Evelyn Carter, the senior board member, sat with her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. “It’s a necessary question, Alice. The media is out of control. We can’t afford to ignore it.”

“You mean the lies Thomas has fed the press?”

From the end of the table, Nolan smirked, his arms folded like he had been waiting for this. “If you’ve got nothing to hide, Alice, the truth shouldn’t bother you.”

I refused to look at him.

“I built Aurora Luxe from the ground up,” I said, my voice colder now. “From late-night pitches, investment battles, to the sleepless nights, just to keep the empire running. And now, all because of a bitter ex and a recycled rumor, I’m suddenly the villain?”

A younger board member leaned forward, his fingers crossed. “With all due respect, Alice, it’s not just rumors. Our stock dropped 12% overnight. Sponsors are freezing deals. We have a responsibility to act.”

Evelyn nodded grimly. “The board has decided a temporary suspension is the safest move. Just until this blows over.”

George shot to his feet beside me. “You can’t be serious. You want to suspend the founder over gossip?”

My heart pounded like a drum, but I held my voice firm. “So, this was already decided before I walked in?”

Evelyn gave a slow nod. “There was a vote. We couldn’t wait.”

My hands gripped the edge of the table, my knuckles turning white.

“You held a vote… without me?” I asked, each word laced with disbelief.

“It was urgent,” Nolan cut in. “Stop been sentimental, Alice. You’re defending your pride, not the company.”

I blinked slowly, forcing myself not to lose control. My eyes moved from face to face… people I once celebrated victories with, people who once toasted to my vision, my leadership.

“You all sat here when we launched the Luxe line. You cheered when we partnered with Apex. You called me a genius.” I paused, my voice thick with restraint. “But now, just because of a baseless scandal, you throw me under the bus, without fair hearing?”

The room fell silent. No one looked me in the eye.

And in that silence, it finally dawned on me… they had really decided.

Then Evelyn rose from her seat, her voice calm but hard as steel. “This isn’t personal, Alice. It’s survival. The company’s future is at stake.”

A tense silence followed before she added, “You’re officially suspended for ninety days, effective immediately. The board will appoint interim leadership during your absence.”

I stared at her, the words washing over me like ice.

“Who?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Nolan stepped forward, placing a folder on the table with deliberate ease. A smug grin played on his lips.

“Me.”

My heart stopped. My hands trembled as I reached for the folder and flipped it open. There it was… the agreement. Stamped. Signed by over half the board.

My breath caught in my throat.

“No… this isn’t real. This can’t be happening.”

Nolan leaned in slightly, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “It’s already done, Alice. You’ve been outplayed.” He chuckled. “Time to crawl back to where you came from. The slums always welcome their own.”

“You people are unbelievable!” George barked, rising sharply from his seat. “This company was built by Alice. No one has the right to take it from her!”

Evelyn turned to him with a cold, venomous glare. “And who exactly do you think you are to make decisions in Aurora Luxe?” she hissed, her crimson lips curling into a sneer. “Let’s not forget…you’re the estranged, disowned son of Thomas Brooks. Maybe you should run back to daddy and beg for forgiveness. If you’re lucky, he might let you sweep the floors at Brooks Enterprises.”

The tension in the room spiked, and I could feel George’s fists curling tightly beside him.

But he said nothing.

He swallowed it all, his fingers tapping slowly against the table in a silent rhythm of restrained anger.

But the storm wasn’t over.

Just then, his phone buzzed sharply. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and quietly slipped out of the room before the noise could disturb the room.

When he returned moments later, his face had changed completely… panic and fury curved on the edges.

He leaned in close, his lips brushing my ear, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Alice, we need to leave. Right now.”

Before I could ask why, he pulled me to my feet. I stumbled slightly, confusion tightening in my chest as I looked up at him, searching for answers. But his face gave nothing away… only urgency.

When we were out in the hallway, he finally stopped and looked around before speaking, his voice low and rushed.

“Listen carefully… there’s a problem. The butler just called me. Someone tried to kidnap Leo.”

My heart dropped.

“What?” I gasped. “No… no, George… tell me he’s okay.” I grabbed his collar, panic rising in my throat. “Is he safe? Is he…”

“He’s safe,” he interrupted gently, gripping my shoulders. “The guards stopped them in time. Leo’s fine. But we need to get back. Now.”

But I didn't want to hear anything else. My mind was already racing home. I needed to see Leo. To hold him and make sure he was really safe… breathing.

“Take me to him,” I choked out, tears already stinging the corners of my eyes. “Now, George. Please.”

“Come with me,” he said, taking my hand and leading me swiftly towards the exit.

The drive back felt like forever. Every second crawled slowly, my chest tightening with every turn of the wheels.

And the moment we pulled into the estate, I didn’t wait. I threw the car door open and bolted out.