Chapter 5 - MARCUS FIGHTS BACK
Marcus spent the next thirty minutes making the worst decisions of his career.
First, he ordered the accounting department to transfer five million dollars into a newly created emergency operating account.
The controller refused.
Then Marcus called three regional presidents and claimed hostile investors were attempting an illegal takeover.
Two ignored him.
One recorded the call.
Then he contacted a private security firm and attempted to replace the Monarch Grand’s security team.
The contract required ownership approval.
He did not have it.
At 10:48 p.m., our general counsel called me.
“Isabella, Marcus is becoming desperate.”
“How desperate?”
“He just sent an email claiming he is majority founder and beneficial owner of Hale Meridian Hospitality.”
“That’s false.”
“We know.”
“What does he think this accomplishes?”
“He may be trying to establish a public narrative before the board votes.”
My father heard the conversation.
“Tell them to preserve everything.”
The lawyer continued.
“There’s something else.”
I felt my stomach tighten.
“Natalie has been sending confidential development files to an outside email address.”
“For how long?”
“Almost four months.”
“What files?”
“Property acquisition plans.”
That changed everything.
The betrayal was no longer only personal.
Future hotel locations were some of our most valuable confidential assets.
If competitors gained access, entire deals could collapse.
“Can you identify the recipient?”
“We’re working on it.”
My father reached for his phone.
“Lock their corporate accounts now.”
By 10:52, Natalie lost access to her email.
Marcus’s access followed.
At the Monarch Grand, Daniel Reeves approached the presidential suite with two security officers.
Marcus opened the door.
“What is this?”
Daniel handed him a written notice.
“Mr. Hale, by order of the board, your access credentials have been suspended.”
Marcus laughed.
“You work for me.”
Daniel stood straighter.
“I work for the hotel.”
“I am the hotel.”
“No, sir.”
Daniel looked at the ownership document in his hand.
“You aren’t.”
Natalie appeared behind Marcus.
She was still wearing my robe.
Still wearing my brooch.
Daniel looked at the sapphire.
“Ms. Cross, Mrs. Hale has also reported personal property currently in your possession.”
Natalie’s face changed.
“This was given to me.”
“By whom?”
“Marcus.”
Daniel turned toward him.
Marcus said nothing.
Natalie slowly removed the brooch.
A security officer placed it inside a small evidence envelope.
At 10:57 p.m., Daniel called me.
“We have it.”
My eyes closed.
“Thank you.”
“Mrs. Hale?”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry none of us stopped him earlier.”
I looked at my father.
“You stopped him tonight.”
When the call ended, my father checked the time.
“Eleven o’clock.”
I exhaled slowly.
“One hour until midnight.”
May you like
He nodded.
“One hour until Marcus learns how much he has actually lost.”
