Chapter 5 - Turning on the Pack
An hour passed. The temperature in the Starlight Hall was rising. The elite were sweating through their bespoke suits and designer gowns.
Fifteen fortunes had already been drained. Millions of dollars had been funneled away to charities, victims, and public funds. The illusion of unity among the wealthy was utterly shattered. They were acting like cornered animals, turning on one another to protect their own secrets.
Julian realized he was losing control of the room. He climbed onto a marble table, his tuxedo jacket discarded, his bowtie undone.
"Listen to me!" Julian shouted over the crying and arguing. "We are the Vanguard! We run this country! If we let this girl strip us of our wealth, we are nothing! We need to rush the balcony. There are two hundred of us and one of her. We drag her down here and take the tablet!"
The crowd hesitated, looking up at the high balcony. The stairs leading up to it were blocked by a heavy metal gate.
"Julian makes a fair point," Clara’s voice echoed. "But let me offer a counter-proposal. A fast-track to your freedom."
The room fell silent again.
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"Julian Cross is the reason you are all trapped here," Clara announced. "He destroyed my family. He built this society on blood. If you, the board of directors of Cross Enterprises, vote to strip Julian of his CEO title and transfer his company shares to me right now... I will open the doors. The rest of you walk away with your secrets and your money."
The trap was perfectly set.
