Ethan stared at the dismissal order on his computer screen. His access to VerdaLife's records had been blocked, and the name of the man responsible was displayed beneath the document. Malcolm Rane had finally decided to act against him.Before Ethan could close the page, two security officers approached his desk. Several employees looked up from their computers, sensing that something serious was about to happen.“Mr Ward, Mr Rane wants you in the procurement conference room,” one of the officers announced. “He has instructed us to escort you there immediately.”“Is there a problem?” Ethan asked, calmly placing his phone in his pocket. He noticed the other officer watching the verification tablet beside his computer.“You will hear everything from Mr Rane himself,” the officer replied. “Please come with us. We have been instructed not to leave without you.”Ethan picked up his tablet and followed them.Inside the conference room, Malcolm stood before several senior procurement employe

The security guard at the executive floor glanced at Ethan's badge and shook his head. Its access light was still red, although the summons on Ethan's phone carried Darius Verda's name. After a call to the board secretary, the guard opened the visitor gate and escorted him down the corridor.Inside the boardroom, twelve directors sat around a polished table. Darius occupied the chair at its head, the one Hilton Verda had used before disappearing. No board vote had confirmed Darius as permanent chairman, but he looked comfortable in his senior brother's place.“Ethan Ward,” Darius said, without offering him a seat. “I asked for the temporary clerk who brought government investigators into our business. I see you decided to come wearing the same badge.”“The badge was issued by your company,” Ethan replied. He stopped at the empty chair near the door but remained standing. “Your message said I was required to attend. I'm here to hear what you want.”“I want an explanation,” Darius said

Darius Verda stared at the armed Tribunal officers entering his boardroom. He had expected the security department to explain why the doors were locked, not a senior military officer arriving without permission. His anger grew when he recognized the man leading them.“Brigadier General Lorne, what is the meaning of this?” Darius demanded, rising from Hilton's chair. “Who authorized you to enter VerdaLife's headquarters and interfere with a private board meeting? I demand an explanation immediately.”Lorne did not answer him. He glanced at the detention order in the security chief's hand before turning toward Ethan, who was standing beside the conference table. The general straightened his uniform and gave a formal military salute.“Supreme Leader, the building is secure,” Lorne announced respectfully. “The Tribunal officers have taken control of the executive floor, and your instructions have been carried out. We are awaiting your next orders.”A shocked silence settled over the board

Elias slowly rose from his chair. His hands trembled slightly as he looked around the room. He knew that speaking openly could permanently damage his relationship with the surviving members of his family.“Your Excellency, I supplied certain records belonging to my late brother Roland,” Elias admitted. “Those documents contained information about suspicious transactions and financial activities within VerdaLife. I preserved them because I knew they might become important.”Darius turned toward him in disbelief.“You?” he exclaimed. “Elias, are you telling me that you secretly handed our family's private documents to government investigators? After everything this family has done for you?”Elias looked at his uncle.“Yes, Uncle Darius,” he replied quietly. “I provided the records because I could no longer pretend that nothing was wrong. I should have spoken earlier, but I was afraid of what would happen to the family.”“You betrayed us!” Darius shouted. “Roland is dead, Hilton is missi

Darius Verda arrived at Arkstone Ridge believing that the Khagan Council would provide the protection his family desperately needed. He had spent the previous evening preparing his arguments with VerdaLife's lawyers. Although Ethan Xavier had exposed his true identity as the Supreme Leader of Verdanis, Darius remained convinced that the Council would prevent him from destroying one of the country's largest medical companies.The heavily guarded entrance to Arkstone Ridge looked exactly as Hilton had once described it. Security officers inspected Darius's invitation before allowing his vehicle through the gates. Beyond the entrance stood the magnificent building where the most powerful business families in Verdanis gathered to make decisions concerning their privileges and responsibilities.Darius entered the Khagan Chamber accompanied by two lawyers as permitted by the Khagan authorities. His eyes moved across the magnificent hall, taking in the expensive decorations and the seven s