Chapter 17 - VICTORIA’S SECOND PERFORMANCE
Victoria reinvented herself publicly.
She admitted her boutique comments were wrong, described Aurelia’s wealth-profiling system, and presented herself as a punished whistleblower. She appeared beside Vane in a modest navy dress instead of her sharp black suit.
Some of her claims were true. The company had trained staff to prioritize high-value clients. Executives had ignored complaints. Her termination occurred only after she insulted the founder’s child on camera.
Daniel refused to dismiss her as a liar.
“She identified real failures,” he told employees. “That does not make her the right director or erase what she chose.”
Victoria released messages showing Harrison called ordinary shoppers “floor traffic” and instructed stores to protect private clients from interruption. Harrison apologized and accepted responsibility.
North Coast’s slate gained votes.
Then Victoria contacted Daniel privately. She possessed a list of off-book buyers and wanted immunity from Aurelia’s civil claims in exchange.
Daniel could not grant criminal immunity. The independent board could settle civil issues, but only after full disclosure.
Victoria wanted her job restored too.
“My daughter will never feel safe with you behind that counter,” Daniel said.
“So this is revenge.”
“No. You can tell the truth without being entitled to the same access.”
Victoria gave the list to Vane instead.
North Coast published selected names and accused Aurelia of secretly serving sanctioned clients. Three names were real. Two were false. The list had been altered.
Victoria claimed Vane changed it after she surrendered the original.
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For the first time, she realized he had never intended to protect her.
She went to federal prosecutors with her phone.
