The roar of high-performance engines cut through the rain outside.
Three black armored luxury SUVs escorted by two private executive sedans pulled against the curb, their hazard lights flashing in unison.
The bakery's glass front doors were pushed wide open as four senior executives in charcoal tailored suits and the Chief Legal Officer of Carter Global Holdings rushed inside, scanning the dining area in absolute panic.
Carter’s eyes widened with misguided delight. "Senior Vice President Ross! Perfect timing! I’m currently dealing with an insubordinate employee giving away inventory to loiterers—"
Vice President Ross shoved Carter aside so hard the manager stumbled against the pastry display case.
In front of every stunned customer in the shop, the Vice President and all three senior directors dropped to one knee before the elderly woman, bowing their heads in deep reverence.
"Chairwoman Eleanor Carter!" VP Ross gasped, his voice shaking with terror. "Madam! We received your coordinate signal! Are you unharmed?"
Chapter V: The True Matriarch
Carter froze solid. The blood completely drained from his face until he was pale as flour, his knees shaking uncontrollably.
Eleanor Carter.