Chapter 9
By five o'clock, millions of viewers across America were tuned into the live broadcast from Austin, Texas.
Senator Arthur Sterling stood behind a podium covered in microphones, looking grim and authoritative in a dark blue suit.
"The illegal takeover of Vance Development by a rogue military veteran named Mateo Garcia is an assault on free enterprise!" Sterling declared loudly to the press corps.
"I am officially requesting an immediate federal freeze on all assets owned by Garcia Holdings pending an investigation into national security risks!"
Back in his Houston office, Mateo watched the television screen with a calm, unbothered expression.
"He's panicking," Sofia noted, leaning against the mahogany desk. "He knows Vance will talk to federal prosecutors to save himself."
Mateo pulled his personal phone from his pocket and dialed a direct private number.
"Director Vance," Mateo spoke into the receiver, his voice dropping into a cold, commanding tone.
May you like
"It's time to release the wiretaps we gathered during Operation Black Iron."
"Understood, Captain," the voice on the other end answered. "The indictment against Senator Sterling will drop in five minutes."
