Chapter 4 - The House of Cards
The silence in the ballroom grew absolutely deafening.
Marcus stared at the small digital screen on Maya’s wrist.
His calculating mind raced frantically to find a way out of the trap.
He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Arthur stepped out from behind his protective guard.
"You drastically underestimated me, Marcus," Arthur said quietly.
"You thought my wealth made me blind to betrayal."
Marcus finally found his voice.
"This is an illegal invasion of privacy," Marcus declared defensively.
"Any audio recording from my private suite is completely inadmissible in court."
Maya offered a cold, humorless smile.
"We are not in a courtroom yet," Maya reminded him.
"But the local authorities are already waiting in the lobby."
Arthur gestured toward his two large bodyguards.
"Escort Mr. Sterling down to the police," Arthur ordered firmly.
The two men in dark suits stepped forward and grabbed Marcus by his arms.
Marcus struggled briefly before realizing physical resistance was entirely useless.
"You cannot run this financial empire without me!" Marcus shouted as they dragged him away.
"Watch me," Arthur replied without ever raising his voice.
Evelyn remained frozen on the marble floor, weeping silently.
Arthur looked down at her with a complex mixture of anger and profound sadness.
He recognized how easily dangerous men manipulated vulnerable people.
"Take her to the authorities as well," Arthur instructed the remaining hotel security staff.
"Tell the detectives I will ensure she gets a decent defense attorney."
Evelyn looked up in shock, her tear-stained face registering his unexpected mercy.
The immediate physical threat was finally gone.
However, Arthur knew the corporate war was just beginning.
He turned to Maya, nodding his head in deep respect.
"You saved my life tonight," Arthur said simply.
May you like
Maya adjusted her earpiece and scanned the empty doorways.
"The night is far from over, sir," Maya replied with professional caution.
