Chapter 2: The Empire Falls Overnight
Chapter 2: The Empire Falls Overnight
Richard never raised his voice.
He simply nodded once.
One of his assistants stepped forward carrying a tablet.
"Execute Phase One."
Within seconds, phones across the room began ringing.
Nathan's phone vibrated first.
He answered with irritation.
"What?"
His chief financial officer was screaming.
"Our banking partners just suspended every corporate credit line!"
A second call.
"The Securities Commission is executing emergency search warrants."
A third.
"Our overseas accounts have been frozen."
A fourth.
"The board is demanding your immediate resignation."
Nathan looked at Richard.
"What have you done?"
"I didn't destroy your company."
Richard replied quietly.
"You did."
"I merely removed the protection that kept your crimes hidden."
Celeste grabbed her own phone.
Nothing.
Every account she controlled displayed the same message.
ACCOUNT FROZEN.
She stumbled backward.
"This can't be happening..."
Richard turned toward another assistant.
"Phase Two."
Television screens inside the mansion suddenly activated.
Every major news network carried the same breaking headline.
ASHFORD GLOBAL UNDER FEDERAL FRAUD INVESTIGATION.
Then another.
CEO ACCUSED OF MONEY LAUNDERING.
Then another.
May you like
EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT LINKED TO OFFSHORE SCHEME.
Nathan's empire was collapsing in real time.
