Chapter 16 - Betrayal at the Summit
The annual Grand Gala of Commerce was the highlight of the high-society calendar, held in a grand crystal ballroom. Julian Thorne and Vance arrived together, confident that their hostile takeover would be finalized by midnight.
As Julian took the stage to announce the merger between Thorne Industries and Sterling Enterprise, the heavy double doors opened.
Cassidy entered, looking breathtaking in a floor-length emerald silk gown. Beside her walked Alexander Sterling.
The room gasped.
Cassidy walked straight up to the main stage, taking the microphone from a stunned Julian.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Cassidy announced, her voice echoing through the silent hall. "I have a brief announcement. Effective thirty minutes ago, Sterling Enterprise, backed by Alexander Sterling, completed a majority acquisition of Thorne Industries stock."
Panicked murmurs broke out. Julian’s face drained of color.
"You... you can't!" Julian stuttered.
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"I can, and I did," Cassidy said, stepping closer to Julian and Vance. "Furthermore, federal agents are waiting outside. Mr. Thorne, Mr. Sterling—you are both under investigation for wire fraud, corporate espionage, and illegal bribery."
Federal agents walked into the ballroom, holding arrest warrants. The high-society elite watched in shock as Julian Thorne was handcuffed on the spot.
