A suffocating silence filled the storage facility. Moris' mind raced as Julian's smirk taunted him. The choice before him was clear—fight and risk losing everything, or walk away and let Julian win.
Sarah shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting between Moris and the documents in his hands. Isabel's grip on his arm tightened, grounding him. Duke, who had followed them in silently, let out a low growl as if sensing the tension.
Moris took a breath. No. He wouldn't let Julian control him. Not again.
Slowly, he straightened and met Julian's gaze with a steel-cold determination. "You always think you're ten steps ahead, don't you?"
Julian's smirk widened. "Because I am."
Moris let out a small chuckle. "Not this time."
Before Julian could react, Moris pulled out his phone and hit send.
Julian's expression flickered for the first time. "What did you do?"
Moris raised the phone. "I sent copies of every document in this briefcase to three different places—my lawyer, a journalist, and the head of the financial crimes unit."
Julian's smirk vanished.
Moris took a step closer. "So you see, Julian, you don't control the board anymore. I do."
Julian's jaw tightened. "You fool. You just destroyed yourself."
Moris shrugged. "Maybe. But at least I'll take you down with me."
Julian's eyes darkened, and for the first time, Moris saw something new in them—fear.
Sarah exhaled sharply, realization dawning on her face. "Wait… you mean you're letting Sinclair Enterprises fall?"
Moris nodded. "Julian built his power on lies and manipulation. I refuse to do the same. If my company goes down, fine. I'll build another one. But I won't let him keep destroying people."
Julian took a step forward, his voice low and dangerous. "You have no idea what you've just started."
Moris held his ground. "Neither do you."
Isabel smirked. "And I, for one, can't wait to see it."
Julian's nostrils flared. "This isn't over."
Moris smiled. "It is for you."
Without another word, Julian turned on his heel and disappeared into the night.
The war had truly begun.
Rebuilding from the Ashes
Over the next few weeks, chaos erupted. The financial world was rocked by the documents Moris had exposed. Julian Roth was named in multiple investigations, his influence crumbling under the weight of his crimes.
And just as Julian had warned, Sinclair Enterprises took the hit.
Moris watched as his once-thriving company collapsed under scrutiny. Investors pulled out, clients hesitated, and the media storm was relentless. It was a brutal loss.
But it was also a new beginning.
Moris sat in his empty office one evening, staring at the city skyline.
Isabel entered, placing a cup of coffee in front of him. "You did the right thing."
He let out a small, tired laugh. "Tell that to my employees who lost their jobs."
She sat beside him. "They'll find work. And so will you."
Moris glanced at her. "You sound so sure."
She smiled. "Because I know you. You don't stay down for long."
Sarah entered hesitantly, a nervous energy around her. "I, um… I just wanted to say thank you."
Moris raised an eyebrow. "For what?"
Sarah swallowed. "For giving me a chance to make things right. I don't deserve it, but I'm grateful."
Moris nodded slowly. "Make sure you use it well."
She nodded, then turned to leave.
As she reached the door, Moris called out, "Sarah."
She turned.
"If you ever work for someone like Julian again… I won't save you next time."
Sarah paled but nodded. "I understand." Then she was gone.
Isabel leaned back in her chair, watching Moris closely. "So… what now?"
Moris exhaled.
Then he smiled.
"Now… we rebuild. But this time, we do it right."
Isabel grinned. "I like the sound of that."
Duke barked in agreement, his tail wagging.
And for the first time in a long time, Moris felt free.