Chapter 37
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The penthouse suite was a sprawling masterpiece of modern architecture, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offered a panoramic view of the storm-battered city. In the center of the massive room, Malcolm Ashford stood frantically smashing a series of hard drives with a heavy steel hammer.
He looked up as the doors crashed open, his arrogant sneer instantly faltering when he saw Julian flanked by Vivienne and Leo, with Laura Bennett providing armed overwatch.
"Julian!" Malcolm barked, his voice filled with toxic authority. "What is the meaning of this? Kill them immediately!"
Julian did not raise his weapon. He simply reached into his shirt, pulled the silver locket from his neck, and tossed it onto the glass coffee table. It landed with a sharp, definitive clink.
Malcolm stared at the necklace, the color completely draining from his face. He realized instantly that his decades of manipulation had failed.
"You lied to me," Julian said, his voice dropping to a terrifying, absolute calm. "You killed the woman who tried to save me, and you turned me into your attack dog."
"I saved you from the gutter!" Malcolm roared, dropping the hammer and backing away toward his massive mahogany desk. "I gave you wealth! I gave you power! You owe me everything!"
"We owe you nothing but a prison cell," Vivienne stepped forward, holding the Protocol Omega ledger high. "We have the original records, Malcolm. We know about the genetic harvesting. We know about the fire at St. Agnes."
Malcolm laughed, a harsh, desperate sound. "You think a dusty book is going to bring down a global empire? The board of directors will bury this. They will bury all of you."
"The board of directors is currently receiving a mass data dump of your private offshore accounts," Theodore’s voice suddenly echoed through the penthouse intercom system. "Hello, Malcolm. Did you really think I wouldn't leave a backdoor in your communication grid?"
Malcolm looked up at the ceiling in absolute horror. "Theodore..."
"The police are already surrounding the building," Laura added, keeping her weapon aimed squarely at Malcolm's chest. "Richard and Samuel disabled your lobby guards. Your helicopter is grounded. It’s completely over, Malcolm."
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Malcolm’s eyes darted frantically around the room, searching for an escape route that didn't exist. The cornered tyrant finally realized that his absolute power had entirely evaporated.
With a sudden, desperate movement, Malcolm yanked open the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a silver revolver.
