Chapter 7 - The Unravelling Empire
News of Mercer Defense Tech’s disastrous Pentagon rejection leaked to Wall Street before the closing bell even rang.
By 4:00 PM, national financial news networks were broadcasting live from outside the White House.
"In a shocking turn of events, Mercer Defense Tech's $20 billion contract bid was overwhelmingly rejected by the Department of Defense due to critical cybersecurity flaws. Sources confirm the decision was spearheaded by Four-Star General Kathryn Mercer—the estranged daughter of CEO Arthur Mercer."
The stock plummeted forty-two percent in less than two hours.
Inside a private suite at the Willard Hotel, chaos erupted. Phone calls were coming in from board members, foreign investors, and congressional committees.
"They're calling for an emergency board meeting tomorrow morning!" Trevor screamed, pacing back and forth while tearing at his hair. "They want us both removed, Father! They're saying we committed corporate fraud by hiding the software bugs from the SEC!"
"Shut up and let me think!" Arthur roared, slamming his glass against the wall, shattering it into a thousand pieces.
Evelyn was weeping uncontrollably on the velvet sofa. "Arthur, do something! Call the Senators! Call the Governor! You said you owned these people!"
"None of them are answering their phones!" Arthur shouted, his voice hoarse. "They know Kathryn is heading the Pentagon taskforce now! Nobody wants to touch a company under federal investigation for defense fraud!"
Just then, a sharp, heavy knock rang out at the suite door.
Arthur froze. "Who is that?"
Trevor slowly approached the door and peeked through the peephole. His face turned pale white. "Father... it’s the federal authorities."
Trevor opened the door. Standing outside were four agents in dark suits holding federal warrants, accompanied by two armed Department of Justice investigators.
"Arthur Mercer? Trevor Mercer?" the lead agent asked sharply. "We have a warrant issued by the Department of Defense Inspector General for corporate fraud, falsification of defense testing metrics, and endangerment of national security infrastructure. You are both coming with us."
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Arthur backed away, clutching his chest as a sudden, agonizing tightness filled his heart. "This... this is a mistake! My daughter... General Mercer... she can fix this!"
"General Mercer signed the authorization for the investigation herself, sir," the agent replied coldly. "Handcuffs, please."