Chapter 3 - The Boardroom Traitor
Alejandro stared at the flashing screen of his smartphone in sheer disbelief.
The caller ID displayed the name of his company's chief financial officer and his most trusted mentor, David.
Alejandro answered the call, his hands shaking slightly as the chaos of the gala swirled around him.
"Tell me this is a joke, David," Alejandro demanded into the receiver.
"I am so sorry, Alejandro," David's voice came through, sounding suspiciously calm.
"The board held an emergency vote ten minutes ago while you were on the red carpet."
Alejandro's mind raced, trying to comprehend how a multi-billion dollar empire could be stolen in the blink of an eye.
"You cannot legally authorize a sale of those primary shares without my biometric signature," Alejandro argued desperately.
"I did not need your signature, kid," David replied coldly.
"Sterling Industries offered me fifty million dollars to forge the transfer, and I took it."
The line went completely dead.
Alejandro lowered the phone, realizing the man who had taught him everything about business had just sold him out to the devil.
He looked up and saw Richard Sterling watching him with a triumphant, predatory smirk.
"Take my daughter to my private table, or my men will physically remove you from the premises," Richard commanded.
Alejandro felt a surge of pure adrenaline and absolute rage.
He grabbed Elena by the wrist, turning sharply toward the dark side exit of the grand courtyard.
"We are leaving right now," Alejandro hissed, pulling her past the bewildered security guards.
Elena did not resist, her expensive heels clicking rapidly against the cobblestone path as they fled into the shadows.
They reached the dimly lit parking garage beneath the gala venue.
Alejandro pulled his keys out, rushing toward his sleek armored sports car.
A massive black SUV suddenly accelerated out of the darkness and violently crashed into the side of Alejandro's car.
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The impact sent shattered glass flying everywhere.
Four masked men stepped out of the wrecked SUV, raising heavy assault rifles directly at Alejandro's chest.
