Chapter 7 - The Hostile Takeover
We parked the stolen SUV in a dark alley behind a deserted shopping mall.
I realized we could not break into the vault, which meant we had to bring the vault's security system to us.
Maria checked her encrypted tablet and discovered that Arthur was hosting a massive shareholder gala that very night.
He was using the fancy hotel ballroom to publicly announce the sudden liquidation of my entire company.
We formulated a desperate, completely suicidal plan to ambush him in front of the entire city.
I instructed Maria to take Leo to a secure hotel room and barricade the door until I returned.
I stole a tailored tuxedo from a dry-cleaning van and slipped through the kitchen entrance of the grand hotel.
The ballroom was filled with wealthy investors, expensive champagne, and the absolute worst people in my industry.
I spotted Arthur walking confidently into a private VIP lounge near the back of the hall.
I followed him silently, slipping through the heavy mahogany doors and locking them firmly behind me.
Arthur turned around, his arrogant smile vanishing instantly when he saw me standing there.
I demanded that he hand over his access codes and publicly confess to the embezzlement.
Arthur simply laughed, a cold, empty sound that echoed in the luxurious room.
He poured himself a glass of expensive bourbon and took a very slow, relaxed sip.
He told me I was completely foolish for thinking Elena was his willing partner in this massive crime.
He revealed that Elena was actually his hostage, forced to sign the documents to protect her own family from his wrath.
He explained that he was only the middleman in this operation, taking orders from the true mastermind.
May you like
The door to the VIP lounge suddenly clicked open, and a woman stepped into the room holding a silenced pistol.
It was Sarah, my trusted corporate defense attorney.
