Part 31
The bait was taken within three hours of being deployed into the dark-web market.
Julian Vance's automated algorithms swallowed the corrupted data packet, believing they had finally unlocked the master key to Vale International's core server.
From my office in New York, I watched the digital trap snap shut in real-time on my main monitor.
The moment Julian's servers attempted to use the fake master key to access our logistics network, our proprietary Graphene-2 cybersecurity protocol initiated a reverse-exploit.
It didn't just block his access; it traveled back through his encrypted connection, completely bypassing his firewalls and downloading his entire private ledger.
Every hidden asset, every illegal short-sale position, and every corrupt political bribe Julian had ever executed was now sitting on my hard drive.
"We have everything," Marcus said, his fingers flying across his keyboard as he finalized the data extraction.
"Julian Vance's entire hedge fund is exposed. If we release this to the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the US SEC, his firm will be seized by midnight."
"No," I said, my voice dripping with cold authority. "Don't give it to the regulators yet."
"I want to speak to him first. Set up a secure video conference."
A minute later, the wall monitor flickered to life, revealing a sleek, minimalist office overlooking the Singapore marina.
Sitting behind a glass desk was Julian Vance. He looked older than Thomas, with sharp, intellectual features and a tailored grey suit.
He didn't look panicked; he looked profoundly shocked, staring at his own crashing computer screens.
"Victoria Vale," Julian said, his voice smooth, controlled, though I could see a muscle twitching in his jaw.
"I underestimated your technical infrastructure. My brother always said you were just a figurehead."
"Your brother is eating prison food through a straw because he underestimated me, Julian," I replied, leaning forward.
"And now, you are facing the exact same fate."
"I hold your entire life in my hands. Every illegal trade, every hidden account. I can destroy your fund with a single click."
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Julian remained silent for a long moment, slowly closing his laptop. He knew he had no leverage. He had played against the queen and lost his entire board in a single move.
"What are your terms?" he asked quietly.
