Two days later, the news burst like thunder.
"Arden Holdings Target of Federal Inquiry Over Fishy Foreign Payments"—the headline splashed across business news, triggered by a tip drawn from a rival hedge fund. Lucas Wren, never one to hesitate, was already spouting holier-than-thou sound bites to CNBC on "sweeping corporate graft" from his office.
Max watched it all from his apartment complex, arms folded, a wry smile spreading his lips. "Right on cue."
Ellie entered the room with two coffees and handed one to Max. "It's everywhere. People are already guessing who is behind Arden."
Nicholas lifted his head from his gear. "And soon that guessing will be directing fingers at NXT Systems."
Max nodded. "Which brings us to phase two—public discreditation."
"You actually believe the media will turn against Samantha and Gregory?" Ellie asked incredulously.
"Not unless we give them a reason to," Max answered. He picked up a flash drive labeled "Project Echo." "We leak their incompetence. The sweetheart deals. The failing trades they covered up behind fake numbers. The things that make board members sweat."
Nicholas raised his eyebrows. "You positive about this one? If they trace it back to you…"
Max's voice turned hard. "They tried to destroy my life. I'm not going to let them walk away clean."
The plan was simple: send the file anonymously to a well-known corporate watchdog blog—an outlet respected enough to get traction but controversial enough to move fast. Within hours of the leak, the site posted a scathing exposé.
"Anonymous Source Exposes Fraud, Nepotism, and Insider Schemes at NXT Systems"
Screenshots of internal messages. Phony spreadsheets. Signed memos by Gregory and Samantha sanctioning illicit trades. The blog servers almost crashed from traffic.
Panicked scenes erupted in NXT's boardroom. Barked orders by Gregory. Samantha stayed unnervingly calm, trying to track-back the leak in quiet tones. Hushed tones among staff. Directors were questioned.
Max leaned back in his flat, sipping his coffee, witnessing it all.
"That's the second flame ignited," Nicholas hissed.
Ellie sat beside Max, eyes focused on the scrolling news. "They're reeling. You've got them scared."
Max didn't smile. His face was still, calculating.
"Not scared enough."
He turned his attention back to the board, drawing a final circle: Board Vote – 10 Days.
"Ten days until the quarterly board meeting. Ten days to bring everything crashing down."
And for the first time since his fall, Max saw the end—and the beginning—clearly within reach.