Chapter 2 - Tactical Bailout
The radio hissed again. ""All units, Code Zero at the Federal Reserve. Social index plummeting citywide.""
Officer Vance hesitated, his gaze darting between the radio mic pinned to his shoulder and the child CEO who hadn't blinked once. The two backup officers exchanged uneasy glances, their hands hovering over their sidearms.
""Step aside, Claire,"" Leo ordered softly, not breaking eye contact with Vance. ""The officers have their duty. But before you cuff me, Vance, ask yourself why an algorithm purge targeted only my company, BabyCorp Global.""
""Corporate politics don't concern municipal authorities,"" Vance muttered, though his posture stiffened. ""Orders came directly from the Ministry of Virality.""
""Orders backed by who?"" Leo stood up on the leather chair to bring himself to eye level with the desk blotter. His small patent leather loafers pressed into the cushion. ""Who benefits when forty-nine subscribers become forty-eight? Look down.""
Vance glanced down. On the screen of Leo's phone, the counter dropped: 48. A red banner flashed across the display: LIQUIDATION IMMINENT.
""A bot attack,"" Leo said, his voice deadly steady. ""Someone paid two million in offshore crypto to wipe my micro-base. If I hit zero, the automatic forfeiture clause triggers. My company, my patents, the entire formula for synthetic baby formula—all transferred to the highest bidder in seven minutes.""
Vance’s hand dropped from his cuffs. ""Who's bidding?""
May you like
""The same man who signed your precinct's pension funding bill last Tuesday,"" Leo answered coldly.
Footsteps echoed sharply outside the corridor—not the clatter of police gear, but the quiet, rhythmic tapping of private security heels approaching fast.
