Chapter 5 - The Digital Tsunami
By midnight, the video of Ethan tied to the patio column, coupled with Mason’s chilling audio confession regarding the corporate takeover and family betrayal, had gone viral across every major social media platform.
Hashtags like #HarrisonFamilyScandal, #JusticeForEthan, and #CorporateGreedExposed trended globally within hours. News vans flooded the private gates of the Harrison estate, their camera lenses flashing against the wrought-iron fence like lightning storms. Reporters shouted questions, desperate for statements from the disgraced executives.
Inside the mansion’s expansive study, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The emergency board of directors meeting had been convened via an encrypted video conference call displayed on the massive wall-mounted screen.
The senior board chairman, an elderly man with a grave expression, stared directly through the camera lens at Mason and David.
"Mr. Mason Harrison," the chairman’s voice boomed coldly through the speakers. "The board has reviewed the footage and the audio files broadcasted nationally tonight. Your actions constitute gross corporate misconduct, conspiracy, and severe ethical violations against a minor shareholder and family beneficiary. Effective immediately, your shares are frozen, your voting rights are suspended, and you are permanently stripped of your executive title."
Mason’s face turned the color of ash. He lunged toward the camera console. "You can't do that! I built this company! My grandfather founded it!"
May you like
"Your grandfather built it on integrity, Mason—qualities you clearly lack," the chairman replied flatly before clicking the button to disconnect the feed. The screen went black.
Mason stared at the blank monitor, his knees buckling as reality finally crashed down upon him. All his wealth, all his social standing, and all his arrogant plotting had evaporated in less than twelve hours because of a single five-year-old’s birthday party gone wrong.
