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CHAPTER 144 PART 2
He pulled up another slide showing a list of major corporations. "We now have active partnerships with seven Fortune 500 companies. Three of them approached us specifically because of the leadership changes. They wanted to work with fresh vision, not the stagnant board that had run this company for the past decade."The room was dead silent now."But what about the scandals?" Harrison protested weakly. "The media attention?""Bad press is still press," Michael replied. "Our name recognition has tripled. Job applications are up sixty percent. Younger talent wants to work for a company that isn't afraid to fight back." He changed slides one more time. "And as for the investors who fled—good riddance. They've been replaced by stronger, more loyal investors who understand that short-term volatility doesn't negate long-term growth."Mr. Diaz was smiling now. Even some of the neutral board members looked impressed.But not all of them."This is very compelling," a voice said from the far en
Chapter 144 PART 1
The boardroom on the forty-fifth floor had never felt more oppressive. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, but the view might as well have been of a battlefield. Twelve board members sat around the massive oak table, their faces ranging from hostile to cautiously neutral.Michael took his seat at the head of the table, Santiago standing behind him like a sentinel. His arm was out of the sling now, though it still ached. Small price to pay for what was coming.Mr. Shen sat three seats down, his face pale, his hands trembling slightly every time he looked at Michael. The man had lost weight since their last encounter, and the fear in his eyes was palpable.Good. Let him be afraid.Harrison cleared his throat, calling the meeting to order. "Gentlemen—and lady—we're here to address the ongoing concerns about Mr. Thompson's leadership of this company.""Concerns?" Michael's voice was mild. "Is that what we're calling it?"Harrison's face reddened. "The past six months have been m
CHAPTER 143 PART 2
Michael took the money, counting it slowly. "Where is she?""Interrogation room. Third door on the left." Vincent leaned back against the desk. "Take your time. But remember—I'm watching."Of course he was. Michael had expected cameras.The hallway was dimly lit, the concrete walls stained and cracked. Michael counted doors until he reached the third one. He paused, gathering himself, then pushed it open.Elena sat tied to a chair in the center of the room, her expensive dress torn and dirty. Her makeup was smeared from crying, and when she looked up, her eyes widened in recognition."You—" she started.Michael moved fast, clamping a hand over her mouth. He leaned close, his back to the camera in the corner, and whispered urgently. "Don't say my name. Don't react. Vincent's watching. Play along with whatever I do."He pulled back, speaking louder now. "So you're the one causing problems."Elena's eyes were wide with confusion and fear, but she nodded slightly. She understood."Good gi
CHAPTER 143 PART 1
The phone call came at two in the morning. Santiago's voice was tight with tension."Boss, we have a problem. Elena's missing. Her car was found outside one of Isaac's old warehouses—the one on Industrial Boulevard."Michael was out of bed before Santiago finished speaking. "Vincent's territory.""Exactly. And according to our sources, Vincent's men brought someone in tonight. A woman matching Elena's description."Michael's jaw clenched. "That reckless—" He cut himself off. Anger wouldn't help now. "I'm coming in. Don't do anything until I get there."Sarah stirred beside him. "Michael? What's wrong?""Elena did something stupid. I have to fix it." He kissed her forehead. "Go back to sleep. I'll be back soon."But Sarah sat up, fully awake now. "Be careful. Please.""Always."An hour later, Michael stood in Santiago's operations room, studying security footage that showed Elena entering the warehouse. Alone. Unprepared. Walking straight into a trap."Idiot," Michael muttered. "Absolu
Chapter 142 Part 2
"Is it? Or is the truth just too uncomfortable?" Elena's eyes glittered with tears she refused to shed. "Goodbye, Michael. Good luck with your perfect marriage."She stormed out, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Other diners pretended not to watch, but Michael could feel their eyes anyway.Victoria cleared her throat awkwardly. "That went well."Michael couldn't help but laugh—a tired, humorless sound. "Did it?""For what it's worth, I meant what I said. I understand. And I'm sorry if I made things complicated." Victoria stood, gathering her things. "I should go. Let you finish your dinner in peace.""Victoria, you don't have to—""I do." She smiled, but it was sad. "Take care of yourself, Michael. And your wife. She's lucky to have you."She left before he could respond, moving carefully with her cane.Michael sat alone at the table, staring at the remains of a dinner that had turned into a disaster. He should have seen it coming. Should have been clearer about bounda
Chapter 142 Part 1
The restaurant was one of those upscale establishments where the lighting was intentionally dim and the prices were intentionally obscene. Victoria had made the reservation under the pretense of a business dinner—a thank you for Michael's support during her recovery.Michael should have suspected something when she'd insisted on a corner booth with candlelight.He sat across from Victoria, who looked stunning in a deep blue dress that complemented her eyes. She'd ditched the crutches for a cane, and her smile was warm as she raised her wine glass."To recovery," she said. "Both physical and corporate."Michael clinked his glass against hers, though something felt off about the whole setup. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble just to say thank you.""It's not trouble." Victoria leaned forward slightly, her voice softening. "Michael, I wanted to talk to you about—""Well, isn't this cozy?"Michael's head snapped toward the familiar voice. Elena stood beside their table, dressed i
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