Chapter 14 - The Checkmate
Marcus Thorne sat in a dimly lit steakhouse on the outskirts of the city.
He was eating a rare ribeye, feeling very pleased with himself.
He had successfully stalled the Lily Tower for two weeks.
Richard’s mythical Panama money would be transferring soon.
A woman suddenly slid into the leather booth across from him.
Marcus choked on his steak.
It was Khloe Cole.
She wore a camel trench coat over a tailored black dress.
She looked at him with absolute disgust.
“Mr. Thorne, I presume,” Khloe said smoothly.
Marcus wiped his mouth with a napkin, trying to recover his composure.
“I don't know who you are, lady. You have the wrong booth.”
Khloe didn't move.
She reached into her designer handbag and pulled out a thick manila envelope.
She tossed it onto the table, right next to his plate.
“I know exactly who you are.”
“And I know Richard Harrington hired you to sabotage my site.”
Marcus scoffed, leaning back and crossing his arms.
“You’re crazy.”
“Even if you had proof, what are you gonna do about it?”
“You can't get your steel without the union.”
“And the union listens to me.”
Khloe offered him a smile that was terrifyingly identical to her brother’s.
“I don't need the union, Mr. Thorne.”
“Because I just bought the Ohio steel mill outright this morning.”
Marcus’s eyes widened.
“I also bought the logistics company that transports the steel.”
“My materials arrived at the site three hours ago.”
She tapped the manila envelope.
“Inside that envelope are the bank records showing your extortion attempts against the zoning commissioner.”
“Along with photographs of you handing cash to the electrical union boss.”
Marcus felt the blood drain from his face.
“You’re bluffing,” he rasped.
“Open it,” Khloe challenged.
Marcus reached for the envelope with trembling fingers.
He pulled out the glossy photographs.
They were undeniable.
High-definition proof of federal bribery.
“What do you want?” Marcus asked, his arrogant demeanor entirely shattered.
“I want you to pick up your phone,” Khloe commanded.
“I want you to call Richard Harrington’s burner cell.”
“And I want you to tell him exactly what happened here.”
“If you don't, I am handing this envelope to the FBI in exactly five minutes.”
Marcus stared at her, realizing he had underestimated this woman completely.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.
May you like
Khloe sat back, watching him dial.
She was going to make sure Richard heard his own defeat live on the line.
