Chapter 6 - The Fall of Mitchell Holdings
The video played on a loop, showing Vanessa’s vicious smile, the icy water knocking me to my knee, and finally, Lucas stepping forward to offer help before Vanessa threatened his job.
Reporters were in a state of absolute shock. Several journalists were already live-tweeting and broadcasting the footage directly to national news networks.
"This is the true face of Mitchell Holdings," I declared over the uproar, my voice calm and commanding. "A family that abuses the vulnerable, lies to its shareholders, and lacks the basic decency required for human leadership. As of 10:00 AM this morning, Carter Global has officially terminated all contracts, loans, and financial backing associated with Mitchell Holdings."
"No! Stop it! Turn it off!" Vanessa screamed from the front row, leaping to her feet. She rushed toward the stage, her composure entirely gone. "You ruined my life! You set me up! You dragged me into the dirt!"
Ethan stepped in front of her, his tall frame blocking her path. "You dragged yourself into the dirt, Vanessa. Mother didn't force you to pick up that hose. You showed the world who you really are."
George Mitchell collapsed back into a chair behind the podium, clutching his chest as his phone began ringing uncontrollably. It was his chief financial officer, followed by calls from his major lenders, demanding immediate repayment of their loans.
"Mrs. Carter, please!" George begged, tears of ruin streaming down his face. "This will destroy us! We will lose the estate! The company will go into liquidation by the end of the week!"
"Then perhaps you will learn what it feels like to have nothing, Mr. Mitchell," I replied coolly. "Just like the people you so casually look down upon."
Within hours, the video went viral globally. Millions of views flooded social media under the trending hashtags #EleanorCarter, #BelleMeadeHose, and #BoycottMitchellHoldings.
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The public backlash was swift and relentless. Major retail partners canceled their distribution agreements with Mitchell Holdings. Stock prices for the company plummeted by 85% within twenty-four hours, wiping out the family’s entire fortune.
By that evening, the Mitchells were forced to put their grand Belle Meade estate up for emergency auction to cover their mounting debts and legal liabilities.