Chapter 7 - The Unseen Architect
The lead operative stared blankly at the three figures on the bridge.
"Mr. Richard Vance, you are coming with us," the operative said in a robotic tone.
"On whose authority?" Richard demanded, standing up slowly and pulling Julian up by his collar.
"By authority of the board of trustees you thought you controlled," the operative replied.
Julian’s face went pale as he recognized the insignia on the operative's tactical vest.
"The Phoenix Syndicate..." Julian whispered, his confidence completely shattering.
"They were supposed to back my takeover!" Julian screamed in disbelief.
"You were merely an expendable tool, Julian," the operative replied coldly.
"Your sloppy scheming threatened to expose our entire global operation," the operative stated.
Eleanor stepped forward, shielding her smartwatch behind her back.
"They don't want the money, Richard," Eleanor whispered under her breath.
"They want the cipher key stored in your family's signet ring," Eleanor revealed.
Richard looked down at the heavy gold ring on his right hand.
"How do you know about the cipher key?" Richard asked Eleanor, suspicion creeping into his voice.
Eleanor looked up into Richard's eyes with an expression of profound sorrow.
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"Because my mother didn't just work for your company, Richard," Eleanor confessed.
"She built the cipher system," Eleanor revealed.
