CHAPTER 36:The Purge

Elise Monroe moved like a phantom through the halls of GNV—never rushing, never announcing herself, yet always one step ahead.

She didn't need to raise her voice. She didn't issue ultimatums. She simply showed people who they really were—then let them decide how loudly they wanted to fall.

Her first stop was GNV's Global Expansion Office, tucked away in a glass-walled wing that still bore Marcus's fingerprints.

"Gerald Kwan," she said, standing in the executive lounge as the man in question choked on his espresso.

"Ms. Monroe," he recovered quickly, smoothing down his tie. "I wasn't expecting—"

"No one ever does," she replied, sliding a file onto the table between them. "You've been greenlighting shell vendors linked to Marcus Delaney's private accounts. Care to explain?"

His face paled. "This must be some mistake—"

"Then you won't mind signing off on a full forensic audit."

He didn't speak again. Just stared at the folder like it might detonate.

By the end of the week, Elise had personally interviewed a dozen mid-tier executives, submitted five names for suspension, and reassigned three department heads—all with Anita's quiet approval.

No scandal. No leaks.

Just quiet, clean housework.

Elise returned to Anita's office late Friday evening, her sharp heels echoing against the marble.

"It's done," she said.

Anita didn't look up from her tablet. "All of them?"

"Enough to send the message."

Anita finally glanced at her. "What about Gerald?"

"He's out. Resigned. Officially for health reasons."

Anita's lips curved faintly—not quite a smile.

"You've done well."

Elise's eyes narrowed slightly. "We're not finished, are we?"

"No," Anita said. "Not even close."

In the shadows of GNV's newly purified halls, the scent of fear lingered—but beneath it, something else had begun to take root.

Loyalty.

Not to a title. Not to a name.

To a force.

And that force was Anita George.