Her response came through the speakers. Firm, professional, chilling in its precision. Confirm, sir. Initiating crosshold review. Estimated total affected 4.8 billion.
Live updates enabled. Gasps scattered like falling glass. The journalist's camera light flared brighter. Murmurss became ripples of disbelief. Edward staggered backward.
You can't do that. That's my company. Malcolm met his eyes. Correction, he said evenly. That was your company.
You forfeited it the moment you mistook me for your help. The blonde fiance let out a trembling exhale. Oh my god, he's serious. Malcolm turned slightly toward the two Reed Global executives who had been waiting near the entrance. "Gentlemen," he said, "you can inform our board.
The acquisition has been terminated permanently. Effective now." One of them nodded, typing quickly on his tablet. "Statement drafted, sir. Press team standing by." The journalists in the back leaned forward, sensing history. Edward's voice was breaking now.
A fragile thing pretending to be fury. You'll regret this. I'll call every investor I know. Malcolm interrupted softly. You already did.
They're watching. And then a set of the possible with setible bass. He gestured toward the far wall. Three screens mounted for tonight's merger presentation. Carla's live feed flickered onto them displaying the read global dashboard.
Transaction logs streamed in real time. A line of text appeared across the display. Merger status terminated. Authorized by MRE founder and CEO. The entire ballroom gasped as one.
Edward's last threat of arrogance snapped. He lurched forward and slammed his hand against the table. You can't humiliate me like this in front of everyone. Malcolm's voice was almost gentle. Edward, he said, "You did that part yourself.
I'm just finishing the paperwork." A did and still seven and says in some inline presses. Soft laughter rose from somewhere in the back, hesitant, then bolder. A guest whispered. That's what dignity looks like. Another murmured, he warned him three times.
Malcolm turned to the young Latina server still holding her phone. Send your video to this address, he said, showing her a card. Legal will handle the rest. You'll be compensated for your courage. She blinked, overwhelmed.
Sir, I didn't do it for money. He nodded once. That's why you deserve it. The room stayed hushed, reverent, electric. "Malcolm looked back to Edward one final time.