Our source came through, she said. I was starting to believe we'd never find the proof we needed. Speaking of which, Daniel said, checking his phone, let me send a quick thank you. See if they have any last files to share before we call it a night. His fingers moved across the screen.
Leila started packing up her files. We should get some sleep. Tomorrow will be busy. Wait. Daniel frowned at his phone.
That's strange. The message isn't going through. He tried again. Their account is showing as deactivated. Try calling, Nia suggested.
Daniel shook his head. Number's dead. Complete disconnect. He looked up, concern creasing his face. Our source has gone dark.
The morning light felt harsh and accusing as Nia's phone exploded with alerts. Bloomberg, Reuters, Financial Times, every major outlet splashed variations of the same devastating headline. Aegis CEO knew of contract issues months before Gala incident. Her hands trembled as she scrolled through the coverage. Somehow, internal emails had leaked showing her discussing contract terms with Omar's team last quarter.
The timestamps and content suggested she had approved preliminary structures she now claimed were hidden from her. It was a perfect poison pill targeting her integrity just when she needed it most. "These are fake. " she whispered staring at quoted passages that felt wrong. "I never wrote these. " Her driver navigated morning traffic while she frantically called Leila. No answer.
Daniel's phone went straight to voicemail. By the time they reached Aegis headquarters, the lobby screens were cycling through financial analysts debating her credibility crisis. Security guards shifted uncomfortably as she crossed the lobby. Their earpieces crackled with constant chatter. In the elevator, two junior executives studied their shoes avoiding eye contact.
The air felt thick with betrayal. She found Graham already holding court in the main boardroom. Board members sat grim-faced around the table while he stood at the head radiating false concern. "Ah, Nia. " he said smoothly. "I'm afraid recent developments require immediate action. " "Those emails are fabricated. " she said, her voice steady despite the rage building in her chest.
"I can prove it if you give me time. " "The board has seen enough evidence of irregular conduct. " Graham continued as if she hadn't spoken. "Given the sensitivity of ongoing investigations, we're implementing standard crisis protocols. " "Standard crisis protocols? " Nia's laugh held no humor. "You mean a coup. " A security officer appeared in the doorway. Two more waited in the hall. "Effective immediately. " Graham announced.
"You are suspended pending full review. Your system access and building credentials are temporarily revoked. The board will issue a statement within the hour. "You can't do this," Nia said. "I built this company.