Chapter 19 - THE WASHINGTON SUMMONS
Three days later, Charlotte touched down in Washington, D.C., stepping out into the crisp air of the federal capital.
A sleek black sedan transported her directly to the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill.
Several reporters rushed toward her as she stepped out of the vehicle, thrusting microphones into her face.
"Ms. Valle! Is it true you're dismantling half of Wall Street's legacy institutions?" a female journalist shouted.
Charlotte paused on the marble steps, adjusting her tailored blazer before offering a brief, measured response.
"We aren't dismantling anything, madam. We are simply removing the rot so the healthy tree can grow," she answered smoothly.
She walked past the security checkpoints without breaking stride, entering the grand hearing room filled with senators.
The committee chairman, an aging senator from Ohio, banged his gavel to call the emergency session to order.
"Ms. Valle, this committee has concerns regarding your sudden, aggressive market interventions across multiple states," he began.
May you like
Charlotte seated herself at the witness table, opening her leather portfolio with calm, unshakeable composure.
***
