Chapter 6 - The Phantom’s Gambit
Back at his fortress-like penthouse overlooking Central Park, Alexander orchestrated his counter-strike with cold, surgical precision.
By sunrise, the financial markets were buzzing with an unconfirmed, catastrophic rumor: Billionaire Alexander Sterling is in critical condition following a sudden medical emergency at a private Manhattan restaurant.
Julian Vance fell straight into the trap.
Believing his poison had successfully incapacitated his greatest rival and that Celeste was safely recovering under a fabricated alibi at the hospital, Vance called an emergency, unscheduled meeting of the Sterling Global Board of Directors for 10:00 AM that very morning. His goal? Invoke the dormant co-signer clause, seize emergency voting rights, and liquidate Alexander’s assets before the autopsy—or the truth—could come to light.
In his private study, Alexander stood before a massive floor-to-ceiling mirror, adjusting his tie. His expression was a mask of cold, unyielding marble.
Marcus walked into the room, holding a thick leather portfolio.
“The board members have all arrived in the main conference room on the forty-fifth floor, boss,” Marcus reported. “Julian Vance is already sitting at the head of the table, acting like he owns the building. Federal marshals and white-collar crime investigators are stationed in the corridor, ready to move on your signal.”
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Alexander picked up his gold-plated fountain pen and slid it into his breast pocket.
“Let’s go teach some corporate sharks how a real empire is run,” Alexander said softly.
