Evidence

The executive boardroom at Pierce Studios was deathly silent. 

Every shareholder and executive had their eyes fixed on the breaking news broadcast playing on the television.

The screen showed footage of Jude Lawson being led into a federal SUV. 

"Well," Maxwell Pierce, the elderly Chairman of the studio, said with a slow nod. "It seems the Wall Street prodigy finally flew too close to the sun. The federal authorities will tie his assets up in litigation for years. Apex Media is bleeding in the water." 

Sitting near the head of the table, Donovan Pierce fought to hide a smug smile. 

"I told you, Grandfather," Donovan said, adjusting his tie. "Lawson's entire empire was built on a house of cards. With him out of the picture, we can absorb their market share." 

Suddenly, the doors of the boardroom burst open with a crash. 

The executives jumped in their chairs, turning toward the entrance.