Michael's heart thumping like a war drum, he slammed the laptop shut. He still remembered Edward's threat, a disgusting echo of deceit intended to shatter him. Michael, however, refused to run this time. He would not spiral. He had had enough of being influenced by fear.
Reaching for his phone, he dialed Henry.
"We're not waiting to see what Edward will do next. I want a task force with experts in cyber, legal, and internal security. Everyone.
Henry answered, "I've already begun putting together a team." And I retrieved the files that had been archived since the last time we saw Edward's name. You're not the only person who has encountered him.
Michael's eyebrows went up. "What do you mean?"
Edward was involved in a hostile acquisition attempt with another tech company ten years ago. After going bankrupt, the CEO disappeared abroad.
Michael reclined in his seat. "Do you believe that he has done this before?"
"I am certain that he has. I was able to connect with a former CEO's coworker. She is open to speaking.
"Good," Michael remarked gloomily. "Because I'm curious about everything."
Henry's tone became solemn. "Michael, things could get worse before they get better. Are you prepared for that?
The city was now obscured by ominous clouds that were accumulating over the horizon when Michael glanced out the window once more.
"For Lorna," he muttered. "I'll brave the flames."
Lorna was heading back to her car at that precise moment following a late meeting at the center. With her keys in hand, she hurried across the lot as the sky grew heavy with the approaching rain.
Then she was abruptly stopped by a voice.
Miss Jenkins.
A man in a black suit, composed and unremarkable, emerged from behind a black car.
Lorna stopped. "Am I acquainted with you?"
"No," he said, taking a slow step forward. However, I speak for someone who believes it's time for you to leave. For your own benefit.
Her heart was racing. "Who sent you?"
There was a slight curl to the man's lips. "To put it simply, he has a stake in keeping Michael Hudson's attention on his work and away from distractions like you."
"You're threatening me." "No," the man said smoothly. "I'm offering you an opportunity. If you leave Michael now—quietly—this all goes away. No more legal trouble. No more danger. You'll even get a generous parting gift." He handed her a black envelope, which she did not touch. "Tell Edward," she said firmly, "that I'm not for sale. And Michael isn't someone he can break." The man's gaze flickered for a moment, calculating, almost impressed. "You're making a mistake."he said as Lorna opened her car door.
"No,"I made my mistake years ago, letting fear run my life. Not this time" she said.
With her hands shaking and her heart pounding, she drove away, determined.
She would need to let Michael know. Soon, too.
Later that evening, Michael was going through files at his desk when Lorna sent him a message.
We must speak. Now.