Chapter 11: Shadows in the Distance
Despite the peaceful life in the countryside, unresolved threads from Arthur's corporate past continued to pull in the background.
Richard Davis, the disgruntled former board member who had attempted to oust Arthur during the merger crisis, had been ousted himself after financial irregularities were discovered in his department. Bitter and humiliated, Davis sought revenge against the man who had ruined his corporate ambitions.
Sitting in a dimly lit steakhouse downtown, Davis met with an investigative reporter named Mark Briggs.
"I'm telling you, Briggs, there's a story here," Davis hissed, sliding a manila folder across the table. "Arthur Sterling abandons a multi-billion-dollar corporate deal overnight to adopt two foster kids? One of whom happens to be his illegitimate son? It's a PR stunt to cover up something bigger."
Briggs opened the folder, scanning the legal documents regarding Noah's adoption and Arthur's shutdown of Apex Human Services.
"Looks to me like a father stepping up for his kid," Briggs observed coolly.
"Don't be naive!" Davis snapped. "Check the timelines! Sterling used corporate assets to shut down Apex to cover up his own historical ties to the charity! He's using those kids as human shields for his reputation!"
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Briggs raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the sensational angle. "If I can prove he used corporate funds illegally to expedite the adoption or silence the state agency, it's a front-page scandal."
"Dig deep, Briggs," Davis smiled darkly. "I want Sterling's heartwarming new image burned to the ground."
