21. A Disturbing Awakening
Richard Sterling felt an unusual coldness as the morning dawned. While enjoying his coffee, his assistant rushed in, visibly disturbed, with the day’s newspaper in grip. The front page shockingly announced: ‘Sterling Empire Under Investigation’ with a less-than-flattering photo of Richard spotlighted.
As Richard perused the damning article, his pulse quickened. It detailed accusations of financial improprieties, connections to the criminal underworld, and damning statements from past colleagues. It felt as though the secure walls of his life were collapsing, endangering both his business and meticulously maintained reputation.