Chapter 15 - The Corrupt Banker
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The interior of the Banque Privee de Genève was eerily silent, draped in dark wood paneling, antique Persian rugs, and the hushed whispers of generational wealth. Maya and Leo were escorted into a massive, heavily soundproofed corner office overlooking Lake Geneva.
Behind a massive mahogany desk sat Herr Klaus Hoffman. He was an older man with silver hair, impeccably tailored in a bespoke suit, projecting an aura of untouchable arrogance.
"Ms. Sterling," Hoffman said, his accent thick and his tone entirely dismissive. He did not stand up to greet her. "I must admit, I was surprised to receive your request for a meeting. I read about your recent... family drama in the international press. However, I am a very busy man. You have exactly ten minutes."
Maya did not take the offered seat. She stood tall in front of his desk, her posture radiating absolute confidence.
"I don't need ten minutes, Herr Hoffman," Maya said sharply. She unclasped her briefcase and pulled out the black ledger, dropping it heavily onto his pristine desk.
Hoffman glanced at the book, feigning utter boredom. "I am not a librarian, Ms. Sterling."
"This is the private accounting ledger of Victoria Sterling," Maya explained, leaning forward. "It details the embezzlement of over fifty million dollars from my company, funneled directly into an anonymous account held within this very bank. I am here to freeze those assets and return them to New York."
Hoffman let out a short, patronizing laugh. "Ms. Sterling, you are clearly young and naive regarding international finance. Swiss banking privacy laws are absolute. Even if such an account existed—which I am not confirming—I could not simply hand over access because you produced a little black book."
"You are protecting stolen funds," Leo interjected angrily. "That makes you an accessory to international fraud."
Hoffman’s eyes narrowed into cold, dangerous slits. "Watch your tone in my office, young man. My bank operates perfectly within the confines of Swiss law. If the American FBI wishes to send a formal diplomatic request, my legal team will review it in six to eight months. Until then, this meeting is over. Security will show you out."
May you like
Hoffman reached for the intercom button on his desk, fully expecting Maya to retreat in defeat.
Maya didn't move. She simply smiled—the same triumphant, terrifying smile she had worn the night she destroyed Victoria.
