Chapter 2: The Tipping Point
America watched in real time.
Within minutes, social media erupted.
Financial markets trembled.
Every major news network interrupted scheduled programming.
"We're following breaking developments tonight," one national anchor announced, urgency filling every word.
"Billionaire CEO Victor Vance has been accused—live on the internet—of attempting to murder his wife. Millions are currently watching Emma Vance broadcast from what appears to be a locked industrial freezer."
Victor's phone vibrated nonstop.
Board members.
Lawyers.
Shareholders.
Journalists.
Federal regulators.
The stock chart on his screen wasn't climbing anymore.
It was collapsing.
Billions vanished in market value before his eyes.
His fixer finally called.
Victor answered instantly.
"Take the stream down."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
The man on the other end sounded terrified.
"We can't."
Victor froze.
"What do you mean you can't?"
"She embedded the broadcast inside the company's core servers. If we shut it down, we destroy every financial record and backup database."
Silence.
Then came the words Victor feared most.
"The police already know where she is."
"And they're on the way."
Victor slammed his fist into the privacy divider.
The crystal glass shattered across the leather seat.
"Turn around!"
he shouted at the driver.
May you like
"Forget the penthouse."
"Get me to the airstrip."
