Chapter 540: The Pivot of PowerThe sunset over the harbor was a bruised purple, casting long, jagged shadows across the rooftop lounge where Liam Carter stood. He didn't turn when he heard the hesitant click of Alisha’s heels on the hardwood. The air was cool, carrying the scent of salt and the distant, muffled roar of the city’s evening rush.Alisha stopped several feet behind him, her arms wrapped around herself as if she were freezing despite the mild temperature. "You called for me? The office is a madhouse, Liam. The ESU has taken over the fourth floor. They’re locking down hard drives and questioning everyone. I barely made it out without being followed."Liam turned slowly, his expression unreadable, though his eyes held a predatory glint. "The ESU involvement has changed the geometry of the board, Alisha. This isn't just a corporate scandal anymore. It’s a federal crime scene. Sterling and Williams have built a fortress, but they’ve left a trail of blood in the

Chapter 542: The Glass FortressThe air in the small meeting room was cold and still. Thomas Sterling sat at the center of the long table. He was the head of the board, and he tried to look like it. He wore an expensive suit and sat very straight. To his left was his lawyer, Marcus Thorne. Marcus was one of the highest-paid lawyers in the city. Across from them sat Agent Johnson of the ESU.Johnson did not look like a typical federal investigator. He didn't have a notepad or a messy tie. He sat behind a thin, black computer. Two other agents stood by the door. They didn't move. They made the room feel like a very fancy prison cell."Mr. Sterling," Johnson began. His voice was flat and dry. "Let’s start with something simple. Tell me about your work relationship with Williams Jesse, the technical manager."Sterling touched his gold cufflinks. "It is strictly professional. Williams is a smart man. He runs the computer systems that keep this company moving. I only talk

Chapter 544: The Perfect Ally The late afternoon sun was low in the sky, casting long, golden bars of light across the carpet of the conference room. It was 5:00 PM. Agent Johnson looked tired. He had spent the entire day peeling back the layers of lies from Sterling, Williams and other seniors. He rubbed his eyes and signaled for the next man to enter. James walked in. He did not bring a lawyer. He did not look nervous. He carried a single, slim laptop and a calm expression. He sat down across from Johnson, looking like a man who was ready to help. "Mr. Clarkson," Johnson said, his voice a bit softer than it had been with the others. "You are the CFO. You see the numbers that no one else sees. I want to know what you’ve found since you joined this company." James nodded. He opened his laptop and turned it toward Johnson. "Agent, to be honest, I’ve been waiting for this meeting. When I was hired, I was told to keep the books clean. But as soon

Chapter 546: The Truth in the ShadowsThe safe house was a nondescript warehouse in the North District, tucked away behind a row of shipping containers. Inside, the air was clean and smelled of antiseptic. Kai stood on the second-floor mezzanine, looking down as his team wheeled Tom into a makeshift surgical room. The "doctor"—a man who had lost his medical license years ago but kept his steady hands—was already scrubbing in.Dorian sat on a metal chair in the corner, head in his hands, while Kane stood in the center of the room, looking like a caged animal. He was covered in soot and dried blood, his eyes darting toward every exit.Kai descended the stairs slowly, his boots echoing on the steel treads. He didn't look angry; he looked bored, which was far more terrifying. He pulled up a chair across from Kane and sat down, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees."Your friend is going to live," Kai said, his voice calm. "The bullet missed the bone. He’ll be weak

Chapter 548: The Long Weekend The television in Thomas Sterling’s private office was muted, but the bold red ticker at the bottom of the screen screamed louder than any siren. "ESU ANNOUNCES IMMINENT ARRESTS IN EMC THEFT CASE." Underneath, a grainy image of the company’s logo flickered, followed by a shot of Agent Johnson looking stern behind a podium. Sterling’s hand shook as he reached for his glass of scotch. He didn't even taste the liquid; he just needed the burn to distract him from the cold knot in his stomach. The "glass fortress" he had built was no longer a palace. It felt like a trap. He grabbed his secure phone and dialed Williams Jesse. He didn't wait for a greeting. "Did you see it?" Sterling hissed, his voice cracking. "The press conference. Johnson wasn't bluffing, Williams. He said twenty-four hours. He said they have evidence. That means they found something. Or someone." "I saw it, Thomas," Williams replied. His vo