“The company is preparing for the new product launch next week.”

“A internal crisis right now would destroy our market value.”

“The crisis is already here, Arthur,” I said.

“I have evidence that Ethan has been fabricating our quarterly earnings report.”

“If the board does not meet tomorrow, the SEC will shut us down by Friday.”

A long pause stretched over the telephone line.

“Nine o’clock,” Arthur finally said.

“I will contact the other directors.”

“But you must have the physical proof ready, Grace.”

“I will be there,” I said, and ended the call.

Julian checked his watch.

“It is nearly midnight,” he said.

Suddenly, Julian’s phone began to vibrate continuously in my hand.

A series of internal text alerts flashed across the screen.

Julian took the phone from me and read the messages, his brow furrowing.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Ethan just executed a company-wide financial freeze,” Julian said.

“He’s flagged all operational accounts for suspicious activity.”

“He told the bank that a hostile entity is trying to drain our funds.”

“Our payroll, our vendor lines, our research funding—everything is frozen.”