"Dr. Richardson," Amelia corrected gently. "And you still don't realize."
Sarah's live stream chat became a blur of activity. Thousands of viewers demanded explanations, theories, and updates as the count passed 15,000 and kept climbing.
Chen found what she was looking for in the corporate directory. Her face went white as she read the entry: Dr. Amelia Richardson, founder and CEO, board chair, and majority shareholder.
The woman they had just tried to remove from the bank owned the bank.
Morrison turned to Webb with barely controlled fury. "Mr. Webb, Dr. Richardson founded this institution."
"She owns 67% of Metropolitan Trust Bank."
The words landed like physical blows. Webb's legs seemed to give out slightly, and he gripped his desk for support.
Rodriguez stepped backward, instinctively distancing himself from the disaster he had nearly participated in.
"There's a board meeting in two minutes," Amelia said calmly. "I suggest you attend."
Thompson's camera captured every moment. This was beyond viral content now; it was career-defining journalism happening in real time.
The lobby fell silent except for whispered commentary from phone cameras and Sarah's live stream. Customers stared in fascination and horror at Webb's public humiliation.
Morrison gestured toward the elevator bank. "Dr. Richardson, please."
"The board is waiting upstairs."
Webb's career flashed before his eyes. Three months on the job, an MBA from a mid-tier school, and student loans that would take 15 years to repay were all evaporating in real time.
"Dr. Richardson, please, I can explain."
"There's nothing to explain," Amelia interrupted. "Your actions speak clearly."
Chen approached hesitantly. "Dr. Richardson, I... we had no idea."
"Mr. Webb handled the interaction, and..."
"Ms. Chen, isn't it?" Amelia's tone was professional but not unkind.
"You're not the problem here. We'll discuss your role separately."
Relief flooded Chen's face. She was not being lumped in with Webb's career suicide.
Sarah addressed her live stream audience. "Y'all, I cannot believe what just happened."
"This man just tried to kick the actual owner out of her own bank. This is going to be everywhere by tonight."
Her prediction was conservative. Screenshots and video clips were already spreading across every major social platform, and banking while Black began trending nationally within minutes.
Morrison looked physically ill. As regional vice president, this incident had happened under his oversight, and his own career prospects hung in the balance.
"Dr. Richardson, how would you like to proceed?" he asked carefully.
Amelia glanced at her watch. "3:01 p.m. The board meeting started a minute ago."
"I don't like being late."
She moved toward the elevators with measured grace. Morrison followed like a nervous aide while the crowd parted automatically, phones still recording her every step.
Webb remained frozen behind his desk, watching his professional life end in real time. Chen gathered her courage.
"Should I come upstairs?"
"Yes," Amelia replied without turning around. "Bring Mr. Webb."