Chapter 4 - The Titan's Veil
Walter Bennett was not a name buried in obituaries; it was a name carved into the concrete foundation of modern global finance. As the founder and majority shareholder of Bennett Capital Consortium, he controlled assets exceeding forty billion dollars. Yet, for three years, he had lived as a ghost following the mysterious death of his son and the sudden, hostile takeover attempt by his own executive board.
"Mr. Bennett?" Pendelton stammered, his fingers trembling as he clutched his walkie-talkie. "I... we had no notification of an inspection. The vagrant protocol was implemented per corporate directive—"
"Silence," Walter commanded, not even turning to look at the manager.
Outside, three heavy black SUVs cut through the pouring rain, pulling directly up onto the pedestrian plaza in front of the glass doors. Eight men in tailored charcoal suits and tactical earpieces poured out, flanking a silver-haired woman holding a thick, leather-bound legal folio.
The doors slid open. The woman walked directly toward Walter, ignoring the wet floor, and bowed her head slightly. "The documents are ready, Mr. Bennett. The board is assembled via secure feed at the headquarters."
Walter turned to Leo, whose jaw remained slightly slack in sheer disorientation. "Your name is Leo Vance, correct?"
May you like
"Yes, sir," Leo breathed.
"Your father was Thomas Vance," Walter stated, his voice softening just a fraction. "A structural engineer who refused to sign off on the faulty foundation blueprints for the Midtown Tower six years ago. Am I right?"
