Chapter 18 - The Boardroom Siege of London
"Step aside, Beatrice," I said, my voice echoing across the marble court hall.
"Your hitman failed."
Beatrice took half a step backward, her lips parting in sudden, unmasked horror.
"I don't know what you are babbling about," she stammered, attempting to maintain her regal composure before the cameras.
"You know exactly what I am talking about," I replied, stepping into the media circle.
I turned to face the barrage of cameras, raising my voice so every reporter on Fleet Street could hear.
"Lady Beatrice Vance has spent twenty-four hours claiming Alden Global is in default," I announced clearly.
"What she failed to disclose is that Vanguard Apex is an illegal corporate vehicle funded by embezzled British subsidies."
"Twenty minutes ago, Scotland Yard and the Serious Fraud Office issued emergency search warrants for the Vance estate in Kent."
A gasp rippled through the gathered journalists.
Beatrice’s lead counsel frantically pulled at her sleeve, trying to drag her away from the microphones.
"This is slander!" Beatrice screeched, her aristocratic facade entirely shattered.
"This girl is a common fraudster!"
"The High Court judge has just dismissed your injunction with extreme prejudice," Marcus called out, walking down the marble stairs with the court order in his hand.
"The court found that Camden Pierce lacked legal authority to pledge any Alden assets."
"Furthermore, Lady Vance, your personal passport has been placed on the national border stop-list."
Flashing blue lights illuminated the stained-glass windows of the court entrance.
Four detectives from the Financial Crimes Command stepped into the grand hall, their badges visible on their dark lapels.
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The game was over.
The trap she had set for me had snapped shut around her own neck.
