Chapter 5: B: The Executive Suite

👉 Previous Decision: You chose to confront Arthur privately in his executive office with the routing numbers.

My hand trembled on the polished mahogany door. Arthur’s executive suite, a cavernous space overlooking the city, felt like a lion’s den. I walked in, trying to project a confidence I didn’t feel. Arthur sat behind his enormous desk, a thin smile on his face. Marcus Devlin stood silently beside the window.

“Leo. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Arthur’s voice was smooth, but his eyes held no warmth.

I pulled out the slip of paper, unfolded it, and laid it on his desk. The routing numbers. “These. What are they, Arthur? And what are you doing with a severed floor that processes offshore transfers?”

Arthur picked up the slip, his smile widening almost imperceptibly. He glanced at Marcus, then back at me. “Ah, the fruits of your labor, Leo. I knew you were curious.” He folded the paper carefully, tucking it into his jacket pocket.

“You knew?” My voice was tight.

“Of course.” Arthur leaned back, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. “You were always a little too smart, a little too rebellious for your own good. I warned you about poking into company privacy.”

He pressed a button on his desk. “Marcus, please escort Leo out. His services are no longer required.”

“What are you talking about?” I demanded, my face flushing hot.

Arthur’s eyes hardened. “You’re fired, Leo. Effective immediately. And do remember that non-disclosure agreement you signed? Breach of contract, corporate espionage. You’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” He smiled, a cold, predatory flash of teeth. “You’ll be bankrupt before you can even explain those numbers to anyone.”

Marcus stepped forward, his hand firm on my arm. He pulled me toward the door, his grip unyielding. I struggled, but it was useless. Arthur watched, unmoving, as I was dragged from his office, the door clicking shut behind me, sealing my fate. My future, my marriage, my independence – all of it crumbled, buried under a mountain of debt and legal threats.