Chapter 12 - The Subpoena
The next morning, the Haven Ledger office felt like a staging ground for a military offensive. Sophia stood at the head of the conference table, wearing a razor-sharp charcoal suit, sorting through three massive boxes of printed financial evidence.
"The FBI’s White Collar Crime division is on standby," Sophia announced, checking her watch. "The U.S. Attorney has reviewed the initial digital drop we sent at 3:00 AM. They are preparing a federal grand jury subpoena for Julian Croft's entire corporate structure."
Chloe walked in, a wide grin on her face. "I just got off the phone with the precinct. Julian’s high-priced defense attorney, Marcus Vance, is currently throwing a legendary tantrum at the courthouse. They are trying to file a defamation and injunction suit against Haven Ledger to stop the audit from going public."
"Let them try," I said, typing the final decryption codes into the master flash drive. "Truth is an absolute defense to defamation. And I have four million pieces of truth right here on this drive."
Just then, the heavy glass doors of the office swung open. Two men in expensive suits walked in. The first was clearly Marcus Vance, the lawyer. The second man made the air in the room drop ten degrees.
It was Julian Croft.
He was tall, impeccably groomed, with cold, dead eyes that scanned the room with utter contempt. He completely ignored Chloe and Sophia, locking his gaze entirely on me.
"Anna, I presume," Julian said, his voice dripping with condescension. "I must say, I expected a much more impressive facility for the woman attempting to dismantle my life."
Chloe immediately rested her hand on her holstered weapon. "You have exactly five seconds to leave this premises before I arrest you for criminal trespassing and witness intimidation."
Marcus Vance stepped forward, holding up a legal document. "We are here to serve a cease and desist order. Your 'foundation' is operating on illegally obtained digital assets. If you do not hand over those drives immediately, we will crush you in civil court."
I stood up, walking around my desk until I was inches away from Julian. I didn't flinch.
"Mr. Croft," I smiled sweetly. "You can take your cease and desist order, and you can give it to the federal agents who are currently raiding your corporate headquarters on suspicion of money laundering, wire fraud, and tax evasion."
May you like
Julian’s arrogant smirk faltered for a fraction of a second.
"Oh, you didn't check your phone?" Sophia chimed in, holding up her own cell phone. "The raid started twelve minutes ago. Have a wonderful day."
