CHAPTER 21 THE UNEXPECTED

Madison stepped away from Michael, her expression hardening into a mask of ruthless determination. "Connor," she said, her voice like steel. "You have two options. "Option one: You go to the police, and you confess to your crimes. "Option two: I make that recording public, and you lose everything. Your reputation, your company, your freedom. "The choice is yours. Decide wisely." Connor's face was a mask of anger and fear, his eyes darting from Madison to Michael and back again. Just as Madison was about to deliver the final blow, Connor's face twisted in a sudden, violent rage. With a feral growl, he lunged forward, a glinting blade materializing in his hand as he plunged it deep into Madison's chest. "You bitch!" he screamed, his voice filled with venomous hatred. "You'll never win!" With a loud crash, Connor wrenched the blade free, spinning on his heel and racing out of the boardroom, leaving Madison bleeding and gasping on the floor. As Madison collapsed to the floor, her