Chapter 15 - ANDREW’S FINAL GAMBLE
Andrew had one remaining source of power.
Years earlier, Whitmore Global had purchased land for a major coastal development.
The project was expected to become the company’s most profitable property.
Andrew believed the land belonged to a shell company under his personal control.
He planned to sell it quickly and use the money to rebuild.
A foreign buyer offered thirty million dollars.
Andrew accepted without informing the board.
The agreement was scheduled to close on Friday morning.
Daniel discovered the transaction less than twelve hours before completion.
“The land is not his,” he told Mariana.
“It is registered to a Whitmore subsidiary.”
“Can he transfer it?”
“Not legally.”
“But the buyer has already deposited six million dollars.”
Helena examined the contract.
“If Andrew completes the sale, he could expose the company to years of litigation.”
Mariana understood the gamble.
Andrew knew he could not win.
He intended to create enough damage to force her into negotiation.
“He wants me to buy his cooperation,” she said.
Rafael nodded.
“He wants a settlement.”
Andrew called minutes later.
Mariana answered.
“You found the coastal deal,” he said.
“Yes.”
“Then you understand the situation.”
“You attempted to sell property you do not own.”
“I control the acquisition company.”
“You were removed as its director.”
“The documents have not been filed overseas.”
“They were filed this morning.”
Andrew went silent.
Mariana continued.
“The buyer has been notified.”
“The deposit is being returned.”
“You think you are clever.”
“No.”
“I think you are predictable.”
Andrew’s breathing became heavier.
“You will give me twenty million dollars and release me from the company claims.”
“In exchange for what?”
“I stop fighting.”
Mariana almost pitied how little he understood.
He still believed his cooperation had value.
“You are already finished,” she said.
“You need me.”
“I needed the person I believed you were.”
“That person never existed.”
Andrew’s voice changed.
“You owe me.”
“For what?”
“For four years of marriage.”
“I gave you four years of loyalty.”
“You gave me bruises, lies, and betrayal.”
“You have taken everything.”
“No.”
Mariana looked at the divorce petition on her desk.
“I reclaimed what was mine.”
“You lost what was yours.”
The line went quiet.
Then Andrew spoke in a whisper.
“I will destroy the company before I let you have it.”
Mariana recorded the words.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?”
“For making your intentions clear.”
She ended the call.
May you like
Within an hour, Helena filed an emergency motion preventing Andrew from contacting company clients, accounts, or property.
His final gamble became one more piece of evidence against him.
