Empire & ViceEpisode 6: No Way Back
840 Words
Empire & Vice
Episode 6: No Way Back
5:45 AM — Ethan’s Penthouse, Manhattan
Ethan sat on his balcony, staring at the city skyline. His empire was hanging by a thread, and the only thing keeping him afloat was the fact that Marcus knew he had leverage. But leverage only lasted as long as the other person feared the consequences.
And Marcus Langley wasn’t the kind of man to stay afraid for long.
His phone buzzed.
Daniel: We have a problem. Meet me at HQ.
Ethan downed the last of his coffee and grabbed his jacket. Whatever it was, he had a feeling it was going to be bad.
7:00 AM — ColeTech Headquarters
Daniel paced in Ethan’s office, tension written all over his face. “Marcus is making his move.”
Ethan leaned against his desk. “What did he do?”
Daniel handed him a tablet, showing a news article.
“ColeTech CEO Ethan Cole Under Investigation for Financial Misconduct.”
Ethan’s stomach dropped. He scanned the article, his name plastered all over it. Allegations of fraud, embezzlement, insider trading. All fabricated—but that wouldn’t matter to the board.
“Marcus fed this to the press,” Ethan muttered.
Daniel nodded. “And he’s calling an emergency board meeting this afternoon. If the investors panic, they’ll push you out.”
Ethan gritted his teeth. “Then we need to move first.”
9:30 AM — Lena’s Office, Manhattan Tribune
Lena was waiting for him when he arrived, arms crossed. “I assume you’ve seen the news?”
Ethan dropped into the chair across from her. “Marcus is trying to bury me.”
She sighed. “I ran my own checks. The allegations are weak, but they don’t have to be strong—they just have to create doubt.”
Ethan clenched his jaw. “I need you to run the real story. Expose Marcus before the board meeting.”
Lena hesitated. “It’s not that simple. If I publish without solid proof, it could backfire. I need more.”
Ethan ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll get you what you need.”
She studied him. “How far are you willing to go?”
Ethan’s smirk was hollow. “As far as I have to.”
11:45 AM — A Private Lounge, Midtown
Ethan walked into the dimly lit lounge where an old contact, Victor DeLuca, was waiting. A man who thrived in the shadows of corporate warfare.
Victor leaned back in his chair. “Haven’t seen you in years, Cole. Must be serious.”
Ethan sat across from him. “I need information on Marcus Langley. His offshore dealings, the private equity firm backing him—everything.”
Victor chuckled. “Ah, you finally decided to play dirty.”
Ethan’s stare was cold. “Just give me what I need.”
Victor tapped his fingers on the table. “I can get you something. But it won’t come cheap.”
Ethan exhaled. “Name your price.”
Victor smirked. “I’ll be in touch.”
As Ethan walked out, he knew he had just made a deal with the devil.
2:00 PM — ColeTech Boardroom
The boardroom was packed. Marcus sat at the far end of the table, a satisfied smirk on his face.
“We all saw the news,” Marcus began, his tone smooth. “These allegations are serious, and they demand action. Effective immediately, I propose that Ethan be placed on leave while we conduct a full review.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room.
Ethan leaned forward. “You all know this is a power play. These allegations are fabricated.”
Marcus spread his hands. “Then you have nothing to worry about, do you?”
Ethan met his gaze. “Actually, Marcus, I do. Because unlike you, I don’t make moves without being ten steps ahead.”
He pulled out his phone and placed it on the table.
“Before this meeting, I received new information about Marcus’s financial dealings. Offshore accounts. A private equity firm known for dismantling corporations. If I go, ColeTech goes with me.”
The room fell silent.
A board member cleared his throat. “If this is true, we need to verify—”
Ethan cut in. “Lena Caldwell is already running the story. In an hour, everyone will know exactly what Marcus has been planning.”
Marcus’s smirk faltered. “You’re bluffing.”
Ethan held up his phone. “Am I?”
Marcus’s eyes darkened.
Another board member spoke up. “We need time to review both sets of allegations. For now, no decisions will be made.”
Ethan leaned back, victorious—for now.
7:00 PM — Ethan’s Penthouse
Ethan stood by the window, whiskey in hand, as Lena’s article went live.
“The Man Behind the Coup: Marcus Langley’s Secret Plan to Dismantle ColeTech.”
His phone buzzed.
Marcus: You just made a dangerous enemy.
Ethan smirked, taking a slow sip.
So did you.
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To Be Continued…
- Writer
