Torres nodded grimly.
“Lancaster and Roark are facing potential prison terms. People in their position sometimes make desperate choices when cornered.”
“We’re not taking any chances.”
They spent the next hour reviewing security protocols and coordinating press conference logistics. Federal agents would be posted throughout the venue, watching for any signs of trouble.
“One last thing,” Chen said as they prepared to leave.
She slid a document across the table.
“We’d like you to consider testifying before a grand jury next week. Your direct experience with their discrimination and retaliation would be powerful evidence.”
Alicia read through the request.
“Of course. Whatever helps ensure they face consequences.”
“We’ll have agents escort you to your office,” Torres said, standing. “The protective detail will remain in place until we have Lancaster and Roark in custody.”
As they gathered their materials, Wilson added, “What you’ve done here, Ms. Rhodes, exposing this corruption, standing up to their intimidation, it’s remarkable.”
“You’ve helped us crack a case we’ve been building for years.”
In the hallway, Thomas checked his watch.
“Three hours until the press conference. Are you ready?”
Alicia thought about the long path that had led here. The humiliation on the tarmac, the threats, the smear campaign, but also the support she had received, the allies who had stood with her, the evidence that had emerged at crucial moments.
“More than ready,” she replied. “It’s time they learned that actions have consequences.”
They rode the elevator down in silence, both processing the weight of what was coming. In a few hours, everything would change.
The truth would be public. The arrests would begin.
Justice would be set in motion.
At the building’s entrance, Alicia paused to look at the brightening sky. Hope mixed with anxiety in her chest.
They had the evidence. They had federal support.
But experience had taught her that powerful men didn’t fall easily. There would be more battles ahead.
Agent Chen appeared beside her.
“We’ve got your back, Ms. Rhodes. By this afternoon, Lancaster and Roark will be doing perp walks in handcuffs.”
Alicia nodded, straightening her shoulders as she walked to her waiting car. Federal agents fell into formation around them, a visible reminder that she was no longer fighting this battle alone.
Camera flashes erupted as Alicia stepped onto the podium at the Riverside Conference Center. The massive room was packed with journalists, industry leaders, and civil rights advocates.
Thomas stood to her right, while prominent Black executives and community leaders filled the seats behind her in a powerful show of solidarity.
Alicia adjusted the microphone, her burgundy suit crisp against the blue backdrop. Security teams positioned throughout the room kept watchful eyes on the crowd.
She could feel the tension, the anticipation of what she was about to reveal.
“Good afternoon,” she began, her voice steady and clear.
“Two weeks ago, I walked across a tarmac in the Hamptons prepared to finalize a $770 million joint venture with Elite Jets.”
“Instead, I encountered something all too familiar to many of us. Naked discrimination and the arrogant assumption that power means immunity from consequences.”