Chapter 6 - The Counter-Strike
The threat hung in the air long after the call ended.
Everett stared at the phone, his mind racing.
She was going to frame him.
She was going to use his own tragedy, the grief he had carried for three years, as a weapon against him.
And in the court of public opinion, a grieving, unstable billionaire was a story that sold newspapers.
"She's moving fast," Marcus said, having overheard the conversation through the secure tap.
"She knows we're investigating her. She wants to force your hand before we find her partner."
"Then we don't give her the time," Everett said, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light.
He walked over to Poppy, kneeling beside her chair.
"Hey, princess," he said softly, taking her small hand.
Poppy turned her head, her eyes still clouded with fear.
"Daddy has to go to work for a little bit," he said, forcing a gentle smile.
"Marcus's friends are going to stay here with you. You're completely safe. Do you understand?"
Poppy looked at him for a long moment.
Then, she did something she hadn't done since the night before.
She squeezed his thumb with her tiny hand.
It was a small movement, but to Everett, it was everything.
It was a sign that his little girl was still in there, fighting her way back.
"I love you," he whispered, kissing her forehead.
He stood up and turned to Marcus.
"Call a press conference," Everett ordered.
Marcus blinked in surprise. "A press conference? For what?"
"For the merger," Everett said, walking toward the door.
"We're going to announce that the deal is moving forward ahead of schedule."
"Tonight."
"Everett, the board hasn't approved the final terms yet," Marcus warned.
"They'll be furious."
"I don't care about the board," Everett said, pulling on a fresh jacket.
"Maribelle thinks she can use the merger to squeeze me."
"She thinks I'm afraid of a scandal."
"We're going to drag her out into the light where she can't hide."
Two hours later, the grand lobby of the Vale Industries headquarters was packed with reporters.
The flashing lights of cameras reflected off the polished glass and steel walls.
Everett stood behind the podium, his expression calm and controlled.
He looked every bit the powerful tycoon the world knew him to be.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Everett began, his voice echoing clearly through the microphone.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"Tonight, I am announcing that Vale Industries will be finalizing its acquisition of Apex Logistics."
A murmur went through the crowd. This was a multi-billion dollar deal that would rewrite the global market.
"However," Everett continued, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"There have been rumors of internal interference. Rumors of extortion."
The reporters leaned forward, their instincts instantly sharp.
"I want to make it very clear," Everett said, looking directly into the main television camera.
"Vale Industries does not negotiate with criminals."
"And to the person who thinks they can use my family as leverage..."
"You have underestimated me."
In the back of the room, standing near the shadow of a pillar, a man in a tailored suit turned and walked away.
May you like
He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text.
He's not breaking. He's pushing back. Activate the contingency.
