CHAPTER 24:The Turn Of The Blade

Marcus knew it was reckless.

But he didn't care.

He was bleeding influence, his name was under scrutiny, and the board no longer answered his calls with urgency. Desperation had a scent, and it was beginning to cling to him.

So he went nuclear.

He ordered a secret buyout attempt of a major GNV subsidiary—through a shell entity in Singapore. The deal would reassert control over a key revenue pipeline and isolate Anita's influence.

But the timing was off.

And his enemies—who now looked more like hers—were watching.

Meanwhile, Anita sat across from Elena Bishop, GNV's head of Strategic Partnerships—and one of Marcus's oldest confidantes.

They hadn't spoken in months. Not really. Not since the fracture.

Anita poured them both tea.

"Why now?" Elena asked. Her tone was careful. Guarded.

"Because I know what Marcus offered you," Anita said evenly. "And I know what it cost you."

Elena said nothing for a long moment. Then she whispered, "He promised protection. But it's his name on the paper trail now."

Anita slid a slim folder across the table. "This clears your name. Quietly. But only if you come with me."

Elena opened it. Her fingers trembled slightly.

"I'm not here to destroy GNV," Anita said. "I'm here to rebuild it."

Elena looked up, eyes fierce. "Then let's tear down what's rotting first."

At that exact moment, Marcus's Singapore buyout flagged an internal compliance alert—one Anita had quietly programmed into the new oversight system weeks ago.

By the time Marcus realized the firewall had triggered a silent review, the acquisition had been paused.

Not denied. Just stalled.

Long enough for the board to find out.

Long enough for Anita to move in.

Back in her office, Anita stood beside Elena, overlooking the skyline.

"One more step," Anita murmured.

Elena glanced sideways. "And then?"

Anita's eyes gleamed.

"Then we cut off his air."