Chapter 7 - The Logistics Siege
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While Marcus tore apart the Vance family’s finances, Leo was executing his phase of the operation from the docks of Seattle.
Vance Construction had three major high-rise projects currently under construction across the city, totaling over two billion dollars in commercial contracts. Every single project relied on daily shipments of specialized reinforced steel and high-grade concrete.
Leo stood on the top deck of a massive Sterling Logistics container vessel, watching cranes idle under the overcast gray sky.
He called me on video chat, showing me the sprawling, silent construction sites across the bay.
“Vance Construction has forty-eight hours to deliver the foundation concrete for the new international airport terminal,” Leo explained, pointing his camera at twenty stalled cement trucks parked outside the gates. “If they miss the deadline, the city government imposes a five-million-dollar daily breach-of-contract penalty.”
“Why aren't the trucks moving?” I asked.
Leo smiled, his white teeth flashing against his rugged beard. “Because the port authority, the trucking union, and the fuel supplier are all Sterling subsidiaries. Not a single truck moves a foot without my signature.”
On the screen, I could see Isaac standing outside the locked gates of the construction site, screaming frantically at the site manager, waving his hands in total desperation. He looked haggard, his designer clothes replaced by a wrinkled polo shirt, his hair greasy and wild.
Suddenly, a sleek red sports car pulled up to the curb near Isaac.
Clover stepped out of the vehicle, holding a heavy designer handbag. Through Caleb’s long-range surveillance feed, we could hear their conversation clearly.
“Isaac!” Clover yelled, her voice screeching over the wind. “The police came to my apartment this morning! They froze my accounts! They said I’m being investigated as an accomplice to corporate theft!”
“Get in line, Clover!” Isaac screamed back, his face red with frustration. “My father is facing bankruptcy! I don't have time for your drama!”
“My drama?” Clover shouted, slapping Isaac hard across the face. “I stayed with you because you promised me millions! Now you’re broke, your company is dying, and those terrifying Sterling brothers are going to send us both to prison!”
“Get away from me!” Isaac shoved her back violently.
Watching them tear each other apart like feral dogs brought no joy to my heart—only the cold satisfaction of absolute justice.
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“Caleb,” I said into my microphone. “Send the evidence of Clover’s offshore transactions to the district attorney. Let her experience the consequences of her greed.”
“Done,” Caleb replied instantly.
