The announcement came before sunrise.
An emergency shareholders' assembly.
Requested by the newest major stakeholder: Marcus Vance.
The message spread through Hale Enterprises like wildfire.
Elena stood beside Alexander in the estate's study, reading the notification on her phone.
"He moved fast."
Alexander nodded.
"He thinks momentum is on his side."
The meeting was scheduled for that afternoon.
Marcus wasn't wasting time.
Elena exhaled slowly.
"So the trap is about to close."
"Or explode," Alexander said calmly.
By noon, the corporate headquarters was surrounded by reporters.
The financial media had already caught wind of the conflict.
"Internal power struggle at Hale Enterprises."
"Former executive Marcus Vance returns with controlling stake."
"CEO Alexander Hale faces possible removal."
Every camera was pointed toward the building.
Elena stepped out of the car beside Alexander.
Flashes exploded instantly.
"Mr. Hale! Is it true you're losing control of the company?"
"Who owns the majority shares now?"
"Is your mother supporting Marcus Vance?"
Alexander didn't answer a single question.
He walked straight inside.
Elena followed, heart pounding.
Today would decide everything.
The shareholders' hall was already full.
Investors.
Board members.
Legal representatives.
And at the center—
Marcus Vance.
He looked completely confident.
Almost relaxed.
When Alexander and Elena entered, Marcus smiled.
"Well," he said smoothly, "the reigning king arrives."
Alexander ignored the comment.
Marcus turned to the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending on such short notice."
The atmosphere was electric.
"This company has suffered from reckless leadership," Marcus continued. "Under Alexander Hale, we've seen instability, emotional decisions, and unnecessary corporate risks."
Several investors murmured.
Elena felt her nails dig into her palm.
Marcus lifted a document.
"As the holder of the largest voting block, transferred legally by Catherine Hale—"
He paused dramatically.
"I call for an immediate vote to remove Alexander Hale as CEO."
The room erupted in whispers.
Marcus looked satisfied.
"Let's begin."
The legal representative stepped forward.
"We will now confirm voting rights before the ballot."
Names were read.
Share percentages confirmed.
Then—
"Voting authority transferred from Catherine Hale to Marcus Vance."
Marcus smiled slightly.
Alexander remained still.
Elena's heart pounded.
Here it comes.
The representative continued reading the legal terms.
Then stopped.
His expression changed.
Marcus frowned.
"What's the issue?"
The man adjusted his glasses.
"There is… an activation clause in this agreement."
Marcus's smile faded slightly.
"What clause?"
The representative read carefully.
"Transfer of voting authority remains valid only in the absence of a legally recognized Hale heir."
The room fell silent.
Marcus blinked.
"That clause is irrelevant."
The representative continued.
"If an heir exists or is officially recognized, voting authority immediately returns to Catherine Hale."
Marcus turned slowly toward Alexander.
"What is he talking about?"
Elena stepped forward.
Her voice steady.
"There is a Hale heir."
Gasps spread through the hall.
Marcus's eyes widened.
"No."
Elena lifted her hand slowly.
Resting over her stomach.
"I'm pregnant."
The silence became deafening.
Investors stared.
Reporters in the back whispered frantically.
Marcus laughed nervously.
"That's not legally recognized."
Alexander finally spoke.
"It was registered this morning."
Daniel stepped forward with documents.
"Medical confirmation and legal heir recognition filed with corporate records two hours ago."
Marcus's face went pale.
"That's impossible."
The legal representative checked the system again.
Then looked up.
"The clause is valid."
A ripple of shock passed through the room.
"Voting authority returns to Catherine Hale immediately."
Marcus slammed his hand on the table.
"No!"
But it was already done.
His controlling vote had vanished.
The largest voting block was no longer his.
He turned toward the back of the hall.
And there she was.
Catherine Hale had just entered.
Calm.
Elegant.
Untouchable.
She walked slowly toward the front.
Marcus stared at her.
"You set me up."
Catherine's lips curved slightly.
"No," she replied softly.
"You simply underestimated the family you tried to steal from."
Marcus's expression twisted with fury.
The investors around him were already whispering.
Doubt.
Fear.
Suspicion.
Everything he had built over the past weeks was collapsing.
Alexander looked at him calmly.
"You wanted a vote," he said.
Marcus clenched his fists.
"Then let's vote."
The representative nodded.
"All shareholders ready."
Ballots were distributed.
Elena's heart pounded.
This was it.
The moment that would decide the future of Hale Enterprises.
And Marcus Vance was about to learn—
Some empires were impossible to steal.