Chapter 3 - Panic in the Cage
The Starlight Hall erupted into absolute chaos.
Billionaires, used to having the world bow at their feet, abandoned their dignity. Women in million-dollar jewels screamed and pounded their fists against the reinforced steel shutters. Men pulled out their phones, frantically searching for a signal, only to see the dreaded 'NO SERVICE' icon mocking them.
"Everyone calm down!" Julian roared, grabbing a heavy silver candelabra and smashing it against the mahogany doors. The wood splintered, but the reinforced steel core behind it didn't even dent.
Clara watched the panic from the balcony, untouched. "You're wasting your energy, Julian. The steel is military-grade. The ventilation system has been set to internal circulation. You have enough oxygen in this room for exactly three hours. If you want to survive, you have to play my game."
"What game?" a tech CEO yelled, his voice cracking with fear.
"The game of truth," Clara answered. "Every ten minutes, I will open a new file. If the person named on the screen voluntarily signs over their assets to a public restitution fund, I delete the evidence. If they refuse, I bankrupt them permanently, and the evidence of their crimes is scheduled to be emailed to the FBI."
The sheer audacity of the threat paralyzed the room. They weren't just trapped; they were being financially executed.
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"Do not negotiate with her!" Julian shouted to the crowd. "She’s a hacker. It’s a bluff!"
"Is it?" Clara asked. "Next up... Senator Vance. Let’s talk about your campaign contributions from the cartel, shall we?"
