Chapter 5 - The Trap is Set
Friday, 9:00 AM.
The grand ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Minneapolis was transformed into a magnificent corporate press venue.
Over two hundred journalists, financial analysts, camera crews, and high-society guests sat in rows of velvet chairs facing a raised oak stage. Behind the stage hung a fifty-foot banner reading: CRESTVIEW CAPITAL & SWIFTFREIGHT: A $3.2 BILLION PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE.
Gavin stood backstage in a three-thousand-dollar tailored tuxedo, checking his cuff links in a full-length mirror.
Charlotte was fussing over his collar, adjusting his silk tie with a bright, triumphant smile.
"You look like a king, Gavin," Charlotte purred, leaning against his chest. "In thirty minutes, you will be one of the most powerful logistics moguls in North America."
"I earned this," Gavin said, staring at his reflection with arrogant pride. "I cleared out the dead weight. I handled the banks. Everything is running according to my plan."
Bridget and Mason walked into the greenroom, holding glasses of mimosa.
"The Crestview motorcade just pulled up to the valet entrance," Mason reported, rubbing his hands together in greed. "Four black armored Escalades. Old man Arthur Miller is coming up the executive elevator right now."
"Is his daughter with him?" Bridget asked with a smirk. "Or did he leave his useless family at home?"
"Arthur Miller never brings family to business deals," Gavin laughed. "He’s a pure mercenary. That’s why I like him. He doesn't care about emotions—he only cares about profit."
The double doors of the greenroom opened, and a senior event coordinator stepped in.
"Mr. Pierce, the Crestview delegation has taken their seats in the private holding room," the coordinator said respectfully. "Mr. Arthur Miller requests that you, Mr. Mason Gable, and Ms. Charlotte Gable sign the preliminary disclosure forms on stage before he delivers the final 3.2 billion dollar authorization check."
"Of course," Gavin smirked, smoothing his jacket. "Let’s go give the press their show."
Gavin, Charlotte, Mason, and Bridget stepped onto the bright stage to thunderous applause. Flashbulbs exploded across the room like a barrage of white lightning. Gavin stepped up to the central podium, raising his hands in triumph as the crowd cheered.
"Thank you! Thank you everyone!" Gavin shouted into the microphone. "Today marks the dawn of a new era for SwiftFreight!"
He walked over to the long signing table in the center of the stage, where two thick leather leather folders lay open beside two golden fountain pens.
"Before I invite Mr. Arthur Miller to the stage," Gavin announced with dramatic flair, "I will execute SwiftFreight’s final corporate authorization!"
Gavin picked up the golden pen, leaned over the document, and signed his name with a wide, flamboyant flourish. Mason stepped up second, signing as CFO. Charlotte signed third, as Corporate Secretary.
The crowd erupted in applause once more.
"And now," Gavin declared, his voice booming through the speakers, "I invite the Chief Managing Director of Crestview Capital, Mr. Arthur Miller, to finalize the 3.2 billion dollar investment!"
The heavy oak doors at the side of the stage swung open.
Arthur Miller walked out onto the stage, wearing a dark bespoke suit, his face cold, stern, and unreadable.
Beside him walked a woman in a tailored navy blazer, her dark hair falling gracefully over her shoulders, holding a black leather briefcase.
The crowd went dead silent.
Gavin’s smile froze on his face. The golden pen slipped from his fingers, falling onto the carpet with a soft thud.
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Charlotte gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in utter shock.
"Sabrina?" Gavin stammered, his voice amplification picking up his stunned whisper across the entire ballroom. "What... what are you doing here? Get her off the stage! Security!"
