Chapter 4: The Fall of the Inner Circle
Two hulking security guards, who had previously taken orders from Michael, moved forward without hesitation. They grabbed Michael under his arms, lifting him forcefully off the floor. His expensive suit jacket crumpled under their firm grip.
"Wait! You can't do this to me!" Michael screamed, thrashing desperately as he was dragged toward the express elevators. "I have contacts! I'll sue this board! I'll ruin you!"
"You won't sue anyone from a federal detention facility," Arthur replied coldly, without even looking back.
As the elevator doors slid open, Michael caught a glimpse of his reflection in the mirrored wall. The ruthless, rising star of Wall Street was gone; in his place was a broken, terrified boy facing the total ruin of his career, fortune, and reputation. The doors shut with a soft chime, severing his connection to Sterling Global forever.
Arthur turned his attention back to the remaining executives lined up in the lobby. The atmosphere was thick with terror. No one dared to make eye contact with the founder.
"David," Arthur called out, looking directly at the CFO.
David stepped forward, his knees visibly shaking. "Y-yes, Mr. Sterling?"
"You signed off on Michael's forged expense reports," Arthur stated flatly, flipping open another folder. "You knew he was siphoning funds from the staff healthcare pool, yet you stayed silent because he promised you a board seat."
"I was forced, sir!" David cried out, clutching his chest. "He threatened to turn the board against me!"
"A leader with no spine is just as dangerous as a leader with no conscience," Arthur said sternly. "You have one hour to clear your desk. Your resignation will be on my desk before noon, or I will ensure you face the exact same criminal charges as Michael."
David slumped his shoulders in total defeat. He handed over his keycard, bowed his head, and walked toward the stairwell, unable to even face his colleagues.
Arthur surveyed the remaining managers. "The rest of you have twenty-four hours to submit a complete, honest report of every ethical violation you witnessed under Michael's tenure. Anyone who hides the truth will be terminated by tomorrow evening. Am I understood?"