CHAPTER 3: Desperation
By morning, the headlines exploded.
“CEO REMOVED IN HOSTILE TAKEOVER.”
“MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER REVEALED.”
“INTERNAL INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED.”
Lucas hadn’t slept.
His phone rang nonstop—lawyers, investors, reporters.
No one offering help.
Only demands.
Or blame.
Sophie sat in the corner, silent.
Finally, she spoke.
“You said you were powerful.”
Lucas didn’t answer.
“You said she needed you,” Sophie continued, her voice shaking. “You said she was nothing.”
Lucas slammed his fist against the table.
“Enough!”
But the truth was louder than his anger.
A knock came at the door.
Security.
Not his.
“Mr. Lucas,” one of them said formally, “you need to come with us.”
“For what?”
“Fraud investigation.”
Lucas froze.
And for the first time…
May you like
He realized this wasn’t just loss.
It was the end.
