The caller ID showed a number he didn't recognize. Malcolm Reed. Yes. This is Tiana Brooks. Her voice was quiet, cautious.
I'm calling from an airport lounge somewhere private. Malcolm straightened in his seat. Tiana, I heard about your suspension. I'm sorry. Don't apologize.
Listen to me carefully. Tiana's tone sharpened. There was another passenger on our flight, a man named Marcus Vale. He's a cyber security attorney. Elena leaned closer trying to hear the conversation.
Marcus preserved the original footage from the plane. Tiana continued, "Not just video, audio with full metadata timestamps. Everything that happened exactly as it happened." Malcolm felt his heartbeat quicken. Graham's people said the footage was edited. Marcus knew powerful people would try to change the story.
He backed up everything to secure servers before the video went viral. Tiana paused. But that's not all, Malcolm. What else? After we landed, Marcus kept recording while he waited for baggage claim.
He captured Vanessa and Graham talking near the carousel. They thought nobody was listening. Elena grabbed Malcolm's arm, her eyes widening. They discussed intimidating witnesses. Tiana said, "Graham specifically mentioned threatening Rochelle Avery and getting me suspended.
They planned the whole cover up before you even left the airport." Malcolm's mind raced. Every move Graham had made, the leaked documents, the board pressure, Vanessa's lawsuit, all of it had been orchestrated from the moment they landed in New York. Tiana, can you get me Marcus' contact information? He's already expecting your call. He wants to help, but he's worried about Graham's connections in law enforcement and media.
Elena pulled out her phone, typing notes as fast as she could. We need a platform Graham can't control. Somewhere public with media present where the board can't bury the evidence. Malcolm looked at Elena as an idea began forming. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an elegant black invitation with gold lettering.
Orlene International annual shareholder gala tomorrow evening 700 p. M. The Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom. Elena read the invitation and smiled slowly. Every board member will be there, every major shareholder.
Financial press, business journalists, and Graham will be announcing the leadership transition, Malcolm said, understanding dawning in his voice. He's planning to remove me publicly in front of everyone who matters. Tiana's voice came through the phone speaker. Malcolm, whatever you're thinking, be careful. These people have already shown they'll destroy anyone who threatens them.
Malcolm stared at the invitation, seeing not just an elegant party, but a battlefield where the final confrontation would unfold. Graham wanted a public stage for Malcolm's downfall. He was about to give him exactly that. The morning sun streamed through the floor toseeiling windows of Malcolm Reed's hotel suite at the St. Regis, casting long golden reflections across polished marble floors and dark mahogany furniture.