Chapter 30: The Checkmate
Alexander’s face turned the color of chalk.
He stumbled backward, looking between Daniel and me in absolute horror. He finally realized that he hadn't compromised my knight. He had walked blindly into our trap.
"You... you recorded me?" Alexander stammered, his polished composure violently shattering.
"Did you honestly believe you could manipulate the father of my children?" I asked, standing up slowly from my chair. My voice echoed with the absolute authority of an apex predator. "Did you think we survived the fire just to be burned by a cheap spark like you?"
I picked up the black flash drive.
"While you were busy trying to buy my husband’s loyalty," I said, walking slowly toward Alexander, "I was busy sending your proxy share data to Interpol and the SEC. Your funds are tied to sanctioned international entities, Alexander. You aren't a corporate raider anymore. You are an international fugitive."
Alexander’s lawyers didn't wait around. Realizing their client was radioactive, they dropped their briefcases and practically sprinted out of the boardroom to save themselves.
"You can't do this!" Alexander screamed, his voice cracking with sheer panic. "My father is Arthur Blackwood! He will destroy you!"
"Your father," I said softly, stopping just inches from his face, "works for me."
Right on cue, the boardroom doors opened again. Two federal agents stepped inside, flashing their badges.
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"Alexander Blackwood," the lead agent said firmly. "You are under arrest for international wire fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion."
Alexander didn't fight. He couldn't. His legs gave out, and he was roughly handcuffed and dragged out of the room, looking like a terrified, broken child. The man who thought he could conquer my city hadn't even lasted twenty-four hours.
