SCREECH.
The roar of powerful engines shattered the silence of the highway.
Four black executive SUVs and two marked state security patrol units swerved into the station lot, their headlights flooding the forecourt in blinding white light.
Six corporate executives in tailored charcoal suits and the Chief Operating Officer of Apex Petrochemical Energy vaulted from the vehicles, sprinting across the wet pavement before halting in front of Pump Three.
In front of stunned customers and staff, the entire executive delegation bowed low in unison before the man in the fraying jacket.
"Chairman Arthur Bennett!" the COO gasped, catching his breath in terror. "Sir! We received your emergency satellite transponder signal! Are you unharmed?"
Croft froze. The smug smirk collapsed into sheer, paralyzing horror. The color drained from his face until he was completely pale.
Arthur Bennett.
The legendary multi-billionaire energy tycoon, founder and sole owner of the entire national petroleum network—who had spent the week conducting unannounced undercover integrity audits across regional branches.