Chapter 7 - The True Architect
Claire pulled out a laminated black-and-gold identification badge and a certified federal deposition, dropping them beside the flash drive.
"You thought I spent the last six months crying in my apartment, Grant," Claire said, her voice dripping with ice. "You thought I gave up because your lawyers threatened me with bankruptcy."
Grant’s eyes bulged as he read the title on the badge: *Special Technical Advisor — Federal Anti-Fraud Commission.*
"I didn't crash this party, Grant," Claire continued, leaning in so the entire ballroom could hear her. "I was invited here by Mr. Vale as the lead forensic investigator on Vale Meridian's internal audit. Every single transaction you made through Ironclad Holdings was logged by my backdoor protocol. I built that network, Grant. Did you really think you could lock me out of my own mind?"
A wave of gasps and nervous murmurs erupted through the crowd.
Grant spun around wildly, looking at his wealthy backers. "Julian! Mark! Help me! She's lying! We have a deal signed tonight!"
The two billionaire investors he called out immediately looked at the ceiling, backing away into the shadows. Nobody was going to stand between Roman Vale and a cornered rat.
"You took my company," Claire said softly, stepping closer until she was inches from Grant’s trembling chest. "You took my home. You tried to humiliate me in front of everyone who ever doubted me. But you forgot one simple rule, Grant: a thief can steal a blueprint, but he can never build the skyscraper."
Grant’s knees gave out. He slid down against the banister, landing right in the middle of the wine puddle he had forced Claire into minutes earlier.
The crowd didn't laugh. They watched in grim satisfaction as the mighty fraud crumbled into the dirt.
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