Chapter 13: The Final Confrontation
Before any of the other directors could react, the heavy oak doors of the boardroom swung open. Two private security guards hired by Arthur stepped into the room, their expressions blank, their hands resting near their tactical holsters. The internal security detail had been compromised from the top down.
"Sit down, everyone," Arthur instructed smoothly, standing up from his chair. "This meeting is adjourned. Vance Industries is now under emergency receivership managed by Meridian Holdings."
Elena did not flinch. She remained seated at the head of the table, her hands resting calmly on the mahogany surface, her breathing slow and controlled. She had anticipated this exact maneuver.
"You’re too late, Arthur," Elena said, her voice echoing in the tense silence of the room.
Arthur paused, frowning slightly. "What are you talking about?"
"While you were busy securing your board majority, my security team wasn't just auditing internal files," Elena replied, her eyes sharp and unyielding. "The federal authorities have already locked down every server node associated with Meridian Holdings across three continents. Your accounts are frozen, your proxies have been detained, and the Obsidian Syndicate’s North American operation has just been dismantled from the root."
Arthur’s calm veneer finally shattered. A flash of genuine panic crossed his face as he pulled out his encrypted satellite phone, frantically attempting to dial his contacts. The screen remained dead, displaying a security lock icon accompanied by a federal seal.
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"You bitch," Arthur hissed, stepping toward her with a sudden, aggressive movement.
The two guards rushed forward to intervene, but the boardroom doors burst open once more—this time revealing federal agents led by armed tactical officers who moved with swift, overwhelming force, pinning the guards to the floor before they could draw their weapons.
