Chapter 6 - The Federal Badge
The cold, heavy glint of polished steel and leather folders caught the overhead fluorescent lights as the two federal agents stopped dead beside the mahogany table.
Alexander shrank back against the glass partition, his knees trembling so violently that he had to grab the back of an empty leather chair to keep from collapsing onto the floor.
"Federal Trade Commission, Division of Corporate Enforcement," the lead agent announced, his voice echoing sharply across the silent boardroom. He pulled out a laminated badge and held it up before looking directly at Alexander. "Alexander Montalvo, you are hereby served with a federal injunction and notice of asset freeze pending a grand jury investigation into wire fraud, securities manipulation, and corporate embezzlement."
Camila let out a sharp, choked gasp, stumbling backward until her spine hit the boardroom wall. "No... there's been a mistake! He's the Chairman! You can't just—"
"Quiet, Ms. Reyes," the second agent interrupted smoothly, stepping forward to flank Alexander. "Your name is also listed on multiple routing slips tied to these illicit transfers. You'll want to secure legal counsel very quickly."
I stood silently at the head of the table, my posture straight, my hands resting lightly over the leather folio. The silence in the room was suffocating. Every single regional director and board member sat frozen, eyes darting between the federal agents, Alexander, and me. For ten years, Alexander had built his public persona as the untouchable, charismatic architect of Montalvo Global. Now, stripped of his title, his privileges, and his lies, he looked like a frightened stranger.
Arthur Vance cleared his throat softly, breaking the tension. He stood up from his chair and turned toward the federal agents. "The board of directors extends its full cooperation to the commission. Every server, drive, and financial log has already been mirrored and made available on the secure drive."
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"Thank you, Mr. Vance," the lead agent nodded. He turned back to Alexander, clicking open a pair of heavy steel handcuffs. "Mr. Montalvo, step away from the table and place your hands behind your back."
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