Chapter 18
The following morning at 8:00 AM sharp, Chloe's legal team filed the emergency acquisition briefs in federal court. Judge Miller, recognizing the urgency and national security implications, signed the injunction before the opening bell.
Vance Global successfully absorbed the dormant Sterling assets for pennies on the dollar, neutralizing the foreign threat. Financial news networks erupted into analysis paralysis, praising Chloe's lightning-fast corporate maneuver across global markets.
Inside her executive office, Chloe watched the live financial commentary on her wall-mounted television screen with quiet satisfaction. Her intercom chimed softly, breaking her concentration as her executive assistant came on the line.
"Madam President, there is a gentleman in the lobby insisting on delivering a sealed hand-written letter to you personally," the assistant reported. "Did security clear him through the metal detectors?" Chloe asked cautiously.
"Thoroughly cleared, maam; he's an elderly courier representing an international estate trust," the assistant assured her. "Send him up to the private conference room, and have two security guards wait outside the door," Chloe instructed.
May you like
Five minutes later, an elderly man in a gray tweed suit walked into the conference room carrying a heavy leather briefcase. He placed a thick, wax-sealed envelope onto the mahogany table without making eye contact.
"From the true founder of the syndicate, Miss Vance; read it alone," the courier whispered before turning around and exiting. Chloe stared at the wax seal, her heart skipping a beat as an unfamiliar wave of unease washed over her.
