Chapter 3: The Digital Dagger
The atmosphere in the room changed from a celebration to a crime scene. Elena didn't wait for the security guards to move. She walked straight to the sound system podium and handed the USB drive to the lead sound technician.
"Play it," she commanded.
The speakers crackled to life. Instantly, the ballroom was filled with the clear, unmistakable voice of Julian Thorne.
"The Senator is a dinosaur," the recording played, echoing through the halls. "We use his name to get the contracts, and once the funds are offshore, we tank the project. He’ll take the fall for the bankruptcy, and I’ll be sitting in the CEO chair of the new holding company by next quarter."
Vanessa Sterling gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. The Senator froze, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the back of a chair.
"Federal authorities have already received the full encrypted data set, Julian," Elena said, her voice calm, devoid of all anger, replaced by a terrifying, icy detachment. "The IRS, the SEC, and the FBI were notified ten minutes before we walked through those doors. They’re in the lobby, and they aren't here for the cake."
May you like
Julian’s bravado shattered. He lunged for the microphone, trying to grab it, but the Senator stepped forward, blocking him with a look of pure, unadulterated hatred.
"You used my family," the Senator growled, his voice a low, dangerous rumble. "You used my daughter to build a fortress for your crimes."
