Chapter 18 - BLACKOUT ON WALL STREET
Panic erupted across lower Manhattan as millions of automated trades froze in an instant digital blackout.
Inside the penthouse, Julian smiled triumphantly as the city plunged into chaotic darkness below.
"You've just committed an act of domestic terrorism, Julian," Arthur warned, aiming his pistol directly at his head.
"I've just restarted the game on my own terms," Julian corrected, raising the detonator again. "Hand over the voting shares, Victoria, or the financial grid stays dead permanently."
Victoria lowered her gun an inch, pretending to hesitate as her eyes scanned the room for an escape vector.
"And if I refuse?" Victoria asked, her voice trembling slightly to sell her fear.
"Then I burn Sterling-Vance Holdings to the ground, starting with this building," Julian replied with unhinged glee.
Arthur made a split-second decision, lunging forward to tackle Julian before he could press the secondary override button.
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Julian sidestepped with astonishing speed, smashing the butt of his pistol across Arthur's temple.
Arthur collapsed onto the hardwood floor, blood trickling down his cheek as he lost consciousness.
